A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Coscia family of Italy.
Reg. 4219 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 de gu. à un housseau d'or; au 2 d'arg. à trois bandes de sin. L'écu entouré d'une bord. denchée d'or.”
NaplesNaples, c. 1775
Where the Coscia Arms Were Recorded
Naples
Map of Italy showing where the Coscia arms are recorded
The Coscia arms were recorded in Naples, c. 1775.
Naples was the largest city in Italy and the seat of a kingdom. Its noble houses were numerous, and the kingdom kept formal lists of the families entitled to arms, which is why so many appear in the records.
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 Coscia 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 Naples.
Origin & History of the Coscia Family in Italy
The surname Coscia has deep roots in the southern regions of Italy, with a particularly strong presence in the city of Naples by the late 18th century. The name itself is likely derived from the Italian word for thigh, which was often used as a descriptive nickname in medieval times to identify someone with a distinct physical trait or a specific way of walking. By 1775, families bearing this name were well-established within the social and economic fabric of the Neapolitan kingdom. During this period, Naples was a bustling cultural hub, and families like the Coscias were often involved in the local trade, artisan guilds, or the administrative life of the city. As the family grew, they became part of the diverse population that helped shape the urban identity of Naples, living through the transition of the region under various ruling powers. Their history reflects the broader experience of many families in the area who maintained their traditions and community ties throughout the centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Coxa
Latin term referring to the hip or thigh bone.
This name
CosciaA nickname for someone with a prominent hip, a limp, or a bow-legged gait.
also spelled
Koscia
Coshia
Coschia
Cosha
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Archivio di Stato di Napoli. Stato Civile della Restaurazione, Napoli. 1809–1865
Cafagna, Luciano. Dualismo e sviluppo nella storia d'Italia. 1989
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
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
