Delfi Family Crest & Coat of Arms

A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Delfi family of Italy.

Reg. 4043 · Italian, D–F

Meaning of the Delfi family crest colors & symbols

Symbols on this shield

saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross

chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion

bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander

starThe celestial goddess, and nobility

sunGlory, splendour and the source of life

Colours

Gold (Or)Means: Generosity

Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth

Red (Gules)Means: Military strength

Historical info

Source

J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87

Blazon (the actual original written record)

“D'or au saut. d'azur, ch. de neuf étoiles du champ et acc. en chef d'un soleil de gu.; au chef du premier, ch. de trois bandes d'azur, surch. chacune d'une étoile (5) d'or.”

ItalyBologne, c. 1775

Digital archive pack Coat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.

Get Delfi files

Where the Delfi Arms Were Recorded

Bologne

Map of Italy showing where the Delfi arms are recorded

The Delfi 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.

Region: Bologne
Town: Bologne
First recorded: 1775

Granting Authority for the Delfi Arms

Authority

The Italian states

before 1861

The body that granted and recorded arms in Italy in this period.

Sovereign of the period

Alvise Giovanni Mocenigo

1763–1778

Reigning in Italy when the Delfi 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 Delfi Family in Italy

The family name Delfi finds its historical roots in the vibrant cultural landscape of northern Italy, with documented evidence placing the family in the city of Bologna by 1775. During the late 18th century, Bologna served as a significant intellectual and commercial hub within the Papal States, attracting families who were often involved in trade, administration, or the skilled crafts that defined the region. The name itself likely evolved from local linguistic traditions, potentially reflecting a connection to the classical heritage of the Mediterranean or serving as a topographic identifier for those living near specific landmarks. As residents of Bologna during this period, the early Delfi family members lived through a time of great social transition, witnessing the city’s evolution from an ancient center of learning into a modern urban society. By establishing themselves in such a prominent city, the family became part of the long-standing demographic tapestry that shaped the identity of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Documented Sources