A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cantello family of Italy.
Reg. 9030 · 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
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Map of Italy showing where the Cantello arms are recorded
The Cantello 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 Cantello 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 Cantello Family in Italy
The family name Cantello carries deep roots in the historical landscape of Northern Italy, specifically within the region of Emilia-Romagna. By the year 1775, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of Bologna, a city renowned at the time for its prestigious university and its role as a center for trade and culture. The name itself is thought to be a topographical surname, likely derived from the Italian word "cantello," which historically referred to a corner, a border, or a specific piece of land. This suggests that the earliest ancestors to carry the name were likely landowners or farmers who were identified by the specific location of their property. As the family grew, they became integrated into the urban fabric of Bologna, participating in the civic and social life of one of Europe’s oldest and most influential cities during the late eighteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Canto
Derived from the Latin word cantus meaning a song or singing.
This name
CantelloA topographic name for someone living near a corner or a diminutive reference to a singer.
also spelled
Cantello
Kantelli
Cantell
Kanteli
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Stato civile della Restaurazione
Filippo Maria Palieri, Dizionario dei cognomi bolognesi, 1998
Emilio Nasalli Rocca, Istituzioni pubbliche di assistenza e beneficenza in Bologna, 1968
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
