Map of England showing where the Cannella arms are recorded
The Cannella arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Cannella arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Cannella Family in England
The surname Cannella originates from the Italian word for cinnamon, which was a highly valued and exotic spice during the Middle Ages. It is likely that the name began as a descriptive nickname for a merchant who traded in spices or perhaps for someone known for their pleasant or spicy personality. While the name is deeply rooted in Italian history, records indicate that members of the family were present in York, England, by 1620. This suggests that early ancestors were part of the growing movement of continental Europeans who traveled to England for trade and professional opportunities during the seventeenth century. These individuals likely integrated into the local community by bringing their unique skills and cultural background to the bustling city of York, helping to establish the name in a new country while maintaining their ancestral identity.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Canna
Latin term for a reed or cane plant.
This name
CannellaAn occupational or topographical name referring to a dealer in cinnamon or a reed-cutter.
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Bardsley, Charles Wareing. A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames. 1901
Borthwick Institute for Archives, University of York. Archbishop of York’s Act Books. 1620
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chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
bordureA difference between branches of one family
