A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cantu family of Italy.
Reg. 5850 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Parti: au 1 coupé: a. d'arg. à un bras, arm. au nat., brandissant une masse d'armes; b. bandé d'azur et d'arg.; au 2 coupé: a. d'or à l'aigle de sa., cour. du champ; b. d'or à trois bandes de gu., à trois ails de sin., les queues en haut, rangées en fasce, br. sur les bandes. C.: l'aigle, iss.”
ItalyMilan, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Cantu arms are recorded
The Cantu arms were recorded in Milan, 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 Cantu 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 Cantu Family in Italy
The surname Cantù originates from the Lombardy region of northern Italy, specifically taking its name from the town of Cantù located near Como. During the eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Milan, where records confirm their residence by 1775. The name is locative in origin, meaning it was originally used to identify individuals who migrated from the town of Cantù to larger urban centers like Milan. As these families settled into city life, they often became involved in the local trades and administrative roles that defined the social structure of the region during the late Enlightenment period. This transition from a rural origin to a prominent urban presence reflects the broader patterns of migration and social mobility that characterized northern Italy during the late 1700s.
Cantu Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Cantus
Latin term meaning a song, melody, or singing.
This name
CantuRefers to a singer or a person who lived near a prominent corner or edge.
also spelled
Cantu
Porro
Kantu Poro
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Cantu, Cesare. Della letteratura italiana: esame critico e storico. 1854
State Archives of Milan (Archivio di Stato di Milano), Anagrafe di Milano
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
armA person of action, industrious and laborious
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
wingSwiftness, and protection under a raised wing
