A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Dolfi family of Italy.
Reg. 5577 · Italian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
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
Where the Dolfi Arms Were Recorded
Bologne
Map of Italy showing where the Dolfi arms are recorded
The Dolfi 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 Dolfi 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 Dolfi Family in Italy
The Dolfi family name is deeply connected to the historical landscape of Bologna, Italy, where members of the lineage were firmly established by the year 1775. The name itself is considered a patronymic, which means it likely evolved from a shortened version of the Germanic name Adolfo or Rodolfo. During the eighteenth century, Bologna was a prominent center of trade, education, and religious life within the Papal States. Families like the Dolfis often played active roles in the local economy and urban administration of the city. As the family grew, they became part of the social fabric of the Emilia-Romagna region, contributing to the professional and civic development of Bologna throughout the late modern period. Their presence in official records from this era highlights a long-standing tradition of residency and community engagement in one of Italy’s most historic cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Adolf
Derived from the Germanic elements for noble and wolf.
This name
DolfiA patronymic or diminutive form indicating a descendant of someone named Adolf.
also spelled
Dolfy
Dolfie
Dolfin
Dolfee
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Fanti, Mario, Le famiglie nobili bolognesi, 1994
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Stato civile della Restaurazione, 1815–1865
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Anagrafe della popolazione, 1775
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
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
starThe celestial goddess, and nobility
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
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
