Map of Italy showing where the Christoforou arms are recorded
The Christoforou 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 Christoforou 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 Christoforou Family in Italy
The surname Christoforou is a patronymic name, which means it was originally derived from the given name of a male ancestor. The name itself comes from the Greek words for Christ and to bear, effectively meaning one who carries Christ. While the name has deep roots in Greek-speaking regions, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in Bologna, Italy, by 1775. During this period, Bologna was a major center for trade and academic study, attracting families from across the Mediterranean who sought to integrate into the local merchant and professional classes. The presence of the Christoforou name in this city suggests that the family was part of a mobile population of traders or scholars who moved between the Greek islands and the Italian peninsula to pursue new economic opportunities. Over time, the family adapted to their new surroundings while maintaining the linguistic heritage of their name as a link to their ancestral origins.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Christophoros
Derived from Greek words meaning Christ and to bear or carry.
This name
ChristoforouA patronymic surname signifying descendant of one who bears Christ in their heart.
also spelled
Cristoforis
Cristoforie
Kristofori
Kristoforee
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Stato delle anime della parrocchia di San Pietro, 1775
Bevilacqua, Mario, Bologna nell'età moderna: Demografia e società, 1998
Fasano Guarini, Elena, Potere e società negli stati regionali italiani, 1994
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
