A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Circo family of Italy.
Reg. 6194 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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, d'or à l'aigle de sa., bq. et m. de gu., sur arg. plein; à la fasce de gu., br. sur le coupé et ch. de trois couronnes d'or. Cq. cour. C.: l'aigle, iss. L.: à dextre d'or et de sa., à sen. d'arg. et de gu. (et 2.”
DalmatiaDalmatia, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Circo arms are recorded
The Circo arms were recorded in Dalmatia, c. 1775.
Dalmatia was a string of walled towns along the Adriatic coast, each with its own leading families. Sea trade made them wealthy, and the towns kept lists of the houses entitled to arms.
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 Circo 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 Dalmatia.
Origin & History of the Circo Family in Italy
The family name Circo has deep roots in the coastal region of Dalmatia, which is located along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. By the year 1775, records confirm that members of the family were well-established in this area, which was then a crossroads for trade and cultural exchange between the Mediterranean world and the Balkan interior. The name itself likely evolved from the local linguistic landscape, reflecting the mix of Latin, Slavic, and Venetian influences that defined Dalmatian society during the eighteenth century. Families in this region often lived in port cities where they worked as merchants, sailors, or local officials. Because Dalmatia served as a vital maritime gateway, the Circo family would have been part of a vibrant community that connected the inland territories to the wider world through shipping and commerce. Their presence in the region during this period highlights a history of resilience and adaptation within a changing political landscape.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Circus
Latin term for a circular area or racing track.
This name
CircoOccupational name for someone who lived near or worked at a circus or arena.
also spelled
Chyrico
Kirico
Kiriko
Shiriko
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Fisković, Cvito. Dalmatinske studije. 1975
Novak, Grga. Povijest Splita. 1957
State Archives in Split (Državni arhiv u Splitu), Zbirka matičnih knjiga
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
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
crownSovereignty, authority and just reward
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
