A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Beretta family of Italy.
Reg. 8817 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à un arbre de sin., et un sanglier pass. de sa., défendu d'arg., br. sur le fût, le tout soutenu d'une terrasse du sec.; au chef d'arg., ch. d'une aigle de sa., cour. d'or. C.: quatre pl. d'aut., alt. d'arg. et d'azur.”
ItalyPavie, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Beretta arms are recorded
The Beretta arms were recorded in Pavie, 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 Beretta 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 Beretta Family in Italy
The name Beretta has deep roots in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, where families bearing this surname were well-established by the late eighteenth century. Records confirm that members of the Beretta family were active in the city of Pavia by 1775, living within a region known for its rich agricultural traditions and proximity to major trade routes. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Italian word "berretta," which refers to a specific type of cap or head covering. In medieval and early modern times, it was common for surnames to originate from the professional trade of an ancestor, suggesting that the first people to carry the name may have been skilled hat makers or tailors. As these families grew, they became integrated into the local social and economic fabric of Pavia, contributing to the development of the city during a time of significant transition in Italian history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Birrus
A type of heavy, hooded woolen cloak worn in ancient Rome.
This name
BerettaAn occupational surname for a maker or seller of hooded cloaks.
also spelled
Beretta
Beretta della Tor
Torre
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Fucile, Francesco. I cognomi d'Italia: Dizionario storico ed etimologico. 2002
Archivio di Stato di Pavia, Stato civile della Restaurazione
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
boarA fierce fighter who battles to the end
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
