A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cantelli family of Italy.
Reg. 7789 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Coupé: au 1 de gu. à un lévrier naiss. d'arg., coll. de gu., mouv. du coupé; au 2 parti d'azur et d'or. Au chef de l'écu 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 Cantelli Arms Were Recorded
Bologne
Map of Italy showing where the Cantelli arms are recorded
The Cantelli 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 Cantelli 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 Cantelli Family in Italy
The family name Cantelli has deep roots in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, particularly within the historic city of Bologna. By the late 18th century, the family was well-established in this area, which served as a major center for trade, education, and culture. The name itself is thought to be derived from the Italian word "cantello," which historically referred to a border, a corner, or a specific edge of a field or property. This suggests that the earliest ancestors of the Cantelli family were likely landowners or farmers who were identified by the specific location of their homestead. As the family grew in Bologna during the 1770s, they became part of the vibrant social fabric of the city, contributing to the local economy and the development of the region during a time of significant political and social change in Italy.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cantus
Latin for song, melody, or singing.
This name
CantelliDerived from a nickname for a singer or someone with a melodic voice.
also spelled
Cantello
Kantelli
Cantell
Kanteli
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Dizionario Storico-Blasonico delle Famiglie Nobili e Notabili Italiane, G.B. di Crollalanza, 1886
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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
greyhoundCourage, vigilance and loyalty
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
