A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bernacchi family of Italy.
Reg. 7548 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à deux pattes d'ours d'or, passées en saut., les ongles en haut, acc. de trois oignons de gu., la queue en bas, 2 en chef et 1 en p. [V. Mastiani-Brunacci.]”
ItalyPise, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Bernacchi arms are recorded
The Bernacchi arms were recorded in Pise, 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 Bernacchi 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 Bernacchi Family in Italy
The Bernacchi family name finds its historical roots in the Tuscany region of Italy, with documented evidence placing members of the family in the city of Pisa by the year 1775. The name itself is a patronymic, meaning it was originally derived from the given name Bernacco, which served as a variation of the name Bernardo. During the late 18th century, Pisa was a significant center for trade and academic life under the rule of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. Families living in the city at this time were often connected to the local merchant guilds or the prestigious University of Pisa. As the family established itself in the region, they became part of the local social fabric that defined Pisan life during the Enlightenment. The presence of the Bernacchi name in official records from this period suggests that they were settled citizens who participated in the civic and economic activities of their community.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bernardo
Derived from the Germanic elements for bear and brave or hardy.
This name
BernacchiA patronymic or diminutive form indicating descent from a person named Bernardo.
also spelled
Brunacy
Brunacc
Brunachi
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Pisa, Stato Civile della Restaurazione
Archivio di Stato di Pisa, Catasto Leopoldino
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
