A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fantini family of Italy.
Reg. 7398 · Italian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
knightChivalry and service in arms
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à un enfant nu de carn., posé de front devant un peuplier de sin., le tout soutenu d'une terrasse du même; ledit enfant tenant un listel, inscrit des mots: UT IN HORTA, au-dessus de sa tête.”
Italyc. 1775
Where the Fantini Arms Were Recorded
Venice
Map of Italy showing where the Fantini arms are recorded
The Fantini arms were recorded in Italy, c. 1775.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Venice.
Venice ran on trade, and its great families were merchants before they were anything else. The city kept a formal list of its noble houses, and a name on that list carried arms as a matter of record.
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 Fantini 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 Fantini Family in Italy
The surname Fantini originates from the Italian word "fante," which historically referred to a young man, a foot soldier, or a servant. Families bearing this name often lived in northern Italy, where the name became established in various regions through trade and local community roles. By 1775, records confirm that the Fantini family was well-integrated into the social fabric of Venice. During this period, Venice was a bustling center of commerce and maritime activity, and families like the Fantinis likely participated in the city’s vibrant artisan or merchant classes. The name reflects a long history of families who were recognized as active members of their local neighborhoods, contributing to the unique cultural and economic life of the Venetian Republic before its eventual transition into the modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fante
An Italian term for an infantry soldier or a young servant.
This name
FantiniA patronymic or descriptive name referring to the son or descendant of a soldier or servant.
also spelled
Fantiny
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 Venezia, Anagrafi di popolazione
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
knightChivalry and service in arms
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
knightChivalry and service in arms
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
