A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bonomi family of Italy.
Reg. 1203 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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)
“Coupé d'arg. sur gu. à deux pattes de lion de sin., en pals et accostées, br. sur le coupé, les ongles en haut et affr.; au chef d'azur, ch. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'or, rangées entre les quatre pendants d'un lambel de gu.”
ItalyBologne, c. 1775
Where the Bonomi Arms Were Recorded
Bologne
Map of Italy showing where the Bonomi arms are recorded
The Bonomi arms were recorded in Bologne, 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 Bonomi 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 Bonomi Family in Italy
The Bonomi family name finds its historical roots in the northern regions of Italy, particularly within the vibrant cultural landscape of Bologna. By the year 1775, members of the family were well-established figures in the city, participating in the social and professional life that defined the era. The name itself is derived from the Italian words "buono" and "uomo," which translate to "good man." This suggests that the surname likely began as a descriptive nickname used to identify individuals known for their integrity, kindness, or positive standing within their local community. Over many generations, this descriptor evolved into a hereditary family name, marking the transition from a personal trait to a shared identity that connected family members across the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
buono
Derived from the Latin word bonus meaning good or virtuous.
This name
BonomiA patronymic or descriptive term referring to a person of good character or standing.
also spelled
Bonommi
Bonomy
Bonomo
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Fucile, Antonio. I cognomi d'Italia: Dizionario storico ed etimologico. 1987
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, 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.
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
paleMilitary strength, and a fortified defence
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
pawStrength held ready, the beast's power in a single limb
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
