A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Filippi family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 3672 · Italian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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'azur à une colombe volante, tenant en son bec un rameau d'olivier, le tout d'arg., acc. en chef d'un lambel de quatre pendants de gu.”
Italyc. 1775
Where the Filippi Arms Were Recorded
Venice
Map of Italy showing where the Filippi arms are recorded
The Filippi 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 Filippi 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 Filippi Family in Italy
The surname Filippi finds its roots in the ancient Greek name Philippos, which means lover of horses. As this name spread through the Roman Empire and into the Italian peninsula, it evolved into a common given name before eventually becoming a hereditary family surname. By the late eighteenth century, the Filippi family was firmly established in the vibrant city of Venice. During this period, Venice was a major center for trade and culture, and families like the Filippi were often involved in the city’s bustling merchant class or administrative life. Living in Venice in 1775 meant the family was part of a unique maritime society that connected the Mediterranean world to the rest of Europe. Over many generations, the name transitioned from a simple personal identifier to a lasting family legacy that reflected the history and social evolution of the Italian people.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
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)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 de gu. à un dragon à deux pattes d'or, à reflets de sin.; aux 2 et 3 barré d'azur et d'or. Cq. cour. C.: le dragon, iss. L.: à dextre d'or et d'azur, à sen. d'azur et de gu.”
AustriaVienne, c. 1610
Where the Filippi Arms Were Recorded
Vienne
Map of Austria showing where the Filippi arms are recorded
The Filippi arms were recorded in Vienne, c. 1610.
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
Vienne
Town
Vienne
First recorded
1610
Granting Authority for the Filippi Arms
Imperial and Royal chancery
Sodacan · CC BY-SA 3.0
The body that granted and recorded arms in Austria in this period.
Emperor Rudolf II
Sovereign of the period
Emperor Rudolf II
1576–1612
Reigning in Italy when the Filippi arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Austria
Austrian coats of arms were often linked directly to noble titles granted by the Emperor. These symbols belonged to the entire family line rather than just one individual. When a family grew, new branches kept the original design without needing to change it. This system allowed all members of a noble house to share the same identity across many generations.
Granting authority
The Imperial and Royal chancery managed all heraldic matters and controlled the official granting of arms throughout the Austrian lands.
How they got arms
Families typically received their arms through a formal imperial decree that often accompanied the elevation of a person to noble status.
Where arms were recorded
Official records of these grants were kept in the Imperial Register of Nobility which began its formal documentation process in 1453.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Austria.
Origin & History of the Filippi Family in Austria
The surname Filippi traces its roots in Austria back to the early seventeenth century, with documented evidence placing family members in Vienna as early as 1610. During this period, the city served as a vibrant hub for Italian merchants, artisans, and professionals who migrated north to seek opportunities within the imperial capital. The name itself is a patronymic variation of the Greek name Philippos, which gained widespread popularity across Europe through religious traditions. By establishing themselves in Vienna during the reign of the Habsburgs, the early Filippi family likely integrated into the urban middle class, contributing to the city’s growing cultural and economic landscape. Their presence in the city records from 1610 suggests that they were part of a significant wave of southern European influence that helped shape the cosmopolitan character of early modern Austria.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Philippos
Ancient Greek for lover of horses
This name
FilippiAn Italian patronymic surname derived from the given name Philip
also spelled
Filippis
Filippo
Phillippi
Filippee
Philippi
Related arms
Filippavariant spelling
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, Anagrafe di Venezia, Sezione di San Marco. 1775
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
dovePeace, love and the Holy Spirit
dragonA most valiant defender of treasure
