A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bonelli family of Italy.
Reg. 9835 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bullValour and generosity
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 bandé d'or et de gu.; aux 2 et 3 coupé: a. d'arg. au taureau pass. de gu. sur une terrasse de sin.; b. d'arg. à trois bandes dentelées d'azur.”
ItalyRome, c. 1775
Where the Bonelli Arms Were Recorded
Rome
Map of Italy showing where the Bonelli arms are recorded
The Bonelli arms were recorded in Rome, 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 Bonelli 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 Bonelli Family in Italy
The Bonelli family name is rooted in the Italian language, derived from the word "bonello," which acts as a diminutive form of "buono," meaning good. This suggests that the name likely began as a descriptive nickname for a person considered kind or virtuous. By the year 1775, historical records confirm that members of the Bonelli family were well-established residents of Rome. During this period, the family was integrated into the social and professional fabric of the city, living among the bustling neighborhoods that surrounded the historic center. While the name is found throughout various regions of Italy, the Roman branch of the family contributed to the local history of the capital during the late eighteenth century, participating in the civic and religious life that defined the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bonus
Latin term meaning good, virtuous, or kind.
This name
BonelliA diminutive form indicating a good or kind little person.
also spelled
Bonelly
Bonelie
Bonelee
Related arms
Avogadrorecorded with Bonelli, same area
Barattierirecorded with Bonelli, same area
Cavazzarecorded with Bonelli, same area
Lomenirecorded with Bonelli, same area
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 Roma, Stato delle anime
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
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bullValour and generosity
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
bullValour and generosity
