A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Fontanella family of Italy.
Reg. 1694 · Italian, D–F
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
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 à un arbre de sin., accosté de deux fontaines de gu., chacune jaillissante de deux traits d'arg., le tout soutenu d'une terrasse de sin.”
ItalyVérone, c. 1775
Where the Fontanella Arms Were Recorded
Vérone
Map of Italy showing where the Fontanella arms are recorded
The Fontanella arms were recorded in Vérone, 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 Fontanella 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 Fontanella Family in Italy
The name Fontanella originates from the Italian word for a small fountain or spring. During the late eighteenth century, families bearing this name were well-established in the city of Verona. Historical records confirm that members of the Fontanella family were active in this region by 1775, likely living near the natural water sources that gave the name its meaning. At that time, Verona was a bustling center of trade and culture under the influence of the Republic of Venice. Families like the Fontanellas often held roles in local commerce or agriculture, contributing to the daily life of the city. As the family grew, they became a recognized part of the local community, leaving behind traces in official registers that document their presence in northern Italy during this period.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
fons
Latin term meaning a spring, fountain, or source of water.
This name
FontanellaA diminutive form referring to a small spring or a place near a fountain.
also spelled
Fontanela
Fontanellae
Fontanell
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Emidio De Felice, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani, 1978
Girolamo dalla Corte, Istoria della città di Verona, 1744
Archivio di Stato di Verona, Anagrafe storica della città di Verona
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
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
roundelA coin, and one who has been to the crusades
