A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barbato family of Italy.
Reg. 1144 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 parti de gu. à une barre d'or et d'azur à une bande d'or; au pal parti de sin. et de gu., br. sur le parti; au 2 de gu. à une barbe de sa. A la fasce d'or, br. sur le coupé.”
VeniceVenice, c. 1775
Where the Barbato Arms Were Recorded
Venice
Map of Italy showing where the Barbato arms are recorded
The Barbato arms were recorded in Venice, c. 1775.
Venice ran on trade, and its great families were merchants before they were anything else. The city kept a formal list of its noble houses, and a name on that list carried arms as a matter of record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Italy in this period.
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
Sovereign of the period
Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo
1763–1778
Reigning in Italy when the Barbato arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Italy
In the Italian states, coats of arms were often used by noble families to show their status and history. These symbols were passed down through the generations to all legitimate male descendants. Younger branches of a family usually kept the original design but sometimes added small changes to distinguish their specific line from the main branch.
Granting authority
Various local rulers and city governments controlled the use of coats of arms across the different Italian states.
How they got arms
Families often assumed their own arms or received them as official grants from local lords, popes, or city councils.
Where arms were recorded
Arms were recorded in local city archives or private family books rather than in one single national register.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Venice.
Origin & History of the Barbato Family in Italy
The surname Barbato originates from the Italian word "barbato," which translates to bearded or bearded man. During the Middle Ages, such descriptive names were commonly used as nicknames to distinguish individuals based on their physical appearance or personal traits. By the late 18th century, the Barbato family had established a notable presence in Venice, a city defined by its complex maritime trade networks and social structures. Historical records confirm that members of the family were living in Venice by 1775, likely participating in the vibrant commercial or artisan life that characterized the city during the final decades of the Venetian Republic. As the family grew, they became part of the local fabric of the region, contributing to the cultural and economic history of northern Italy through their daily work and community involvement.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
barba
Latin term meaning beard or whiskers.
This name
BarbatoA nickname for a bearded man or an elder, often used as a term of respect.
also spelled
Barbatto
Barbatoe
Barbatou
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Archivio di Stato di Venezia, Anagrafi di popolazione
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
