A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Cerati family of Italy.
Reg. 2758 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé de gu. sur arg.; à un arbre de sin., br. sur le tout, senestré d'un ours ramp. de sa. sur l'arg., le tout soutenu d'une terrasse de sin.”
ItalyVicence, c. 1775
Where the Cerati Arms Were Recorded
Vicence
Map of Italy showing where the Cerati arms are recorded
The Cerati arms were recorded in Vicence, 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 Cerati 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 Cerati Family in Italy
The Cerati family name is deeply rooted in the historical landscape of the Veneto region in Northern Italy. By the late 18th century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Vicenza, a location famous for its Renaissance architecture and long-standing traditions of craftsmanship. The name itself is thought to derive from the Italian word "cerato," which historically referred to someone who worked with wax or produced candles. In a time when artificial lighting was essential for both religious ceremonies and daily household life, families involved in this trade often held a respected position within the local urban economy. As the family settled in Vicenza by 1775, they became part of the social fabric of a city that was then under the influence of the Republic of Venice, participating in the vibrant commercial and cultural life that defined the era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cera
Latin term for wax or a honeycomb.
This name
CeratiOccupational name for a wax merchant or someone who worked with beeswax.
also spelled
Serati
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Mantese, Giovanni, Memorie storiche della Chiesa vicentina, 1954
Archivio di Stato di Vicenza, Stato delle anime della città di Vicenza, 1775
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
bearStrength, cunning and protection of kin
