A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Barbi family of Italy.
Reg. 6231 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Tranché d'arg. sur or; au lion d'or sur l'arg. et d'azur sur l'or; à la bande de gu., br. sur le tout.”
ItalyMantoue, c. 1775
Where the Barbi Arms Were Recorded
Mantoue
Map of Italy showing where the Barbi arms are recorded
The Barbi arms were recorded in Mantoue, c. 1775.
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 Barbi 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 Italy.
Origin & History of the Barbi Family in Italy
The family name Barbi finds its historical roots in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, with clear evidence of the family residing in the city of Mantua by 1775. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Italian word "barba," which historically functioned as a term of respect for an older man or an uncle, eventually evolving into a common surname. During the late eighteenth century, Mantua was a significant cultural and administrative center under the influence of the Habsburg monarchy. Families like the Barbis living in this area were often involved in the local trade, agriculture, or artisan guilds that supported the city’s economy. By establishing themselves in Mantua during this period, the family became part of the vibrant social fabric of a city known for its deep connections to the Renaissance and its strategic importance in European history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
barba
Latin term referring to facial hair or a beard.
This name
BarbiA descriptive nickname for a man who wore a prominent or distinctive beard.
also spelled
Barby
Barbee
Related arms
Barbyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Mantova, Anagrafe della popolazione di Mantova
De Felice, Emidio, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani, 1978
Fasoli, Gina, Mantova: la storia, 1963
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
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
lionCourage, strength and royalty
