A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Crispi family of Italy.
Reg. 3042 · Italian, A–C
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'azur à une licorne d'arg., passante sur une terrasse de sin. et surm. d'une comète d'or.”
ItalyRome, c. 1775
Where the Crispi Arms Were Recorded
Rome
Map of Italy showing where the Crispi arms are recorded
The Crispi arms were recorded in Rome, 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 Crispi 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 Crispi Family in Italy
The surname Crispi originates from the Latin word crispus, which translates to curly or having wavy hair. This descriptive nickname was commonly used in ancient Italy to identify individuals by their physical appearance. By the time the family was firmly established in Rome in 1775, they were part of a long tradition of Italian families who adopted surnames based on personal traits. These early members of the Crispi family were likely integrated into the social and professional fabric of the city during a period of significant cultural growth. As the name spread through different regions, it became a marker of lineage for families who valued their historical roots in the Italian peninsula. The name remains a reflection of how personal characteristics evolved into lasting family identities over many centuries.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Crispus
Latin term meaning curled, curly-haired, or having crisp hair.
This name
CrispiAn Italian surname derived from a personal nickname describing someone with curly hair.
also spelled
Crispy
Krispi
Krispee
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Fucilla, Joseph G. Our Italian Surnames. 1949
Archivio di Stato di Roma, Stato civile della Restaurazione
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
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
