A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cattaneo family of Italy.
Reg. 1229 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Fascé d'arg. et d'azur (ou de gu.); au chef d'or, ch. d'une aigle de sa.”
ItalyGênes, c. 1775
Where the Cattaneo Arms Were Recorded
Gênes
Map of Italy showing where the Cattaneo arms are recorded
The Cattaneo arms were recorded in Gênes, 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 Cattaneo 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 Cattaneo Family in Italy
The surname Cattaneo originated in Northern Italy and is deeply connected to the historical development of the region of Liguria. The name is derived from the medieval term *capitaneus*, which referred to a person of high social standing or a local leader who held authority over a specific territory. By the time the family was firmly established in Genoa during the late 18th century, they had become an influential part of the city's urban fabric. Members of the Cattaneo family were often involved in the bustling maritime trade and civic administration that defined Genoa as a powerful Mediterranean hub. Their presence in the city by 1775 reflects a long-standing tradition of families who rose to prominence through commerce and local governance during the era of the Republic of Genoa.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Capitanus
A Latin term referring to a leader, chief, or head official.
This name
CattaneoDerived from a title for a captain, commander, or local feudal leader.
also spelled
Cataneo
Cattane
Kataneo
Related arms
Cataneovariant spelling
Cataneo, Catanivariant spelling
Costarecorded with Cattaneo, same area
Costagutirecorded with Cattaneo, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Emidio De Felice, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani, 1978
Vito Salierno, I cognomi d'Italia, 2005
Archivio di Stato di Genova, Stato Civile della Repubblica di Genova
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
