A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Bovi family of Italy.
Reg. 6962 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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 deux chev. diminués d'or, et trois fleurs-de-lis du même entre ces chev., le premier en pal et les deux autres en barre et en bande; au chef du premier, ch. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'or, rangées entre les quatre pendants d'un lambel de gu.; ce chef surm. d'un autre chef d'or, ch. d'une aigle de sa.”
ItalyBologne, c. 1775
Where the Bovi Arms Were Recorded
Bologne
Map of Italy showing where the Bovi arms are recorded
The Bovi 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 Bovi 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 Bovi Family in Italy
The family name Bovi has deep roots in the historic city of Bologna, Italy. By the year 1775, records confirm that members of the Bovi family were already well-established residents within the city walls. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Italian word for oxen, which suggests that the family’s earliest ancestors may have been involved in agriculture or the livestock trade in the fertile plains surrounding the Emilia-Romagna region. As the family grew, they became integrated into the local urban life of Bologna, participating in the social and economic activities that defined this famous university city during the late eighteenth century. Their presence in the city archives during this period highlights a long-standing commitment to their community and a history that spans several generations of Bolognese life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Bos
Latin term referring to an ox or a bull.
This name
BoviDerived from a nickname for a person who was strong or ox-like.
also spelled
Bovy
Bovee
Bovie
Related arms
Bovyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Stato delle anime della parrocchia di San Pietro, 1775
Fanti, Mario, Le famiglie bolognesi: origini e sviluppo, 1980
Comune di Bologna, Anagrafe storica della città di Bologna, 1775
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
