A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gandolfi family lines. Documented in 2 countries.
Reg. 2600 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
swordJustice, and military honour
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 d'azur à deux épées de cavalerie d'arg., garnies d'or, passées en saut.; aux 2 et 3 d'arg. à un dauphin au nat., la tête en fase, la queue en haut.”
ItalyPavie, c. 1775
Where the Gandolfi Arms Were Recorded
Pavie
Map of Italy showing where the Gandolfi arms are recorded
The Gandolfi arms were recorded in Pavie, 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 Gandolfi 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 Gandolfi Family in Italy
The surname Gandolfi originates from the ancient Germanic personal name Gandulf, which combines the elements for "wand" or "staff" and "wolf." As this name spread through Italy during the Middle Ages, it evolved into a family name that became deeply rooted in the northern regions of the country. By the late 18th century, the family established a notable presence in the city of Pavia. During this period, Pavia served as a significant intellectual and cultural hub under the influence of the Austrian Empire. Families like the Gandolfis in Pavia were often part of the local urban class, contributing to the civic and professional life of the city as it transitioned through the political changes of the Enlightenment. The name reflects a long history of migration and cultural integration, moving from its early linguistic origins to becoming a recognized part of the social fabric in Lombardy by 1775.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ar. in base a mount vert, thereon a poplar tree betw. two lions ramp. combatant crowned with counts' coronets all ppr”
SurreyRichmond · Surrey, c. 1620
Where the Gandolfi Arms Were Recorded
Surrey
Map of England showing where the Gandolfi arms are recorded
The Gandolfi arms were recorded in Surrey, c. 1620.
Surrey sat just south of London and filled up with families who had made money in the City. Buying an estate there was the usual next step, and an estate was the usual reason to take arms.
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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in Italy when the Gandolfi arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Surrey.
Origin & History of the Gandolfi Family in England
The history of the Gandolfi name in England is rooted in the movement of families across Europe during the seventeenth century. While the name is of Italian origin, historical records confirm that members of the family were established in the county of Surrey by 1620. During this period, England saw an increase in the arrival of continental families who often settled near London for trade or religious reasons. The Gandolfi family likely integrated into the local community by participating in the agricultural and mercantile life that defined Surrey at the time. Over the following decades, the family name became a part of the local landscape, reflecting the broader trend of European migration that shaped the English population during the early modern era.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gandolf
Derived from Germanic elements meaning wolf and battle or magic.
This name
GandolfiPatronymic form indicating descent from an ancestor bearing the name Gandolf.
also spelled
Gandolfy
Gandolf
Gandolfo
Gandolphi
Related arms
Clarksimilar arms
Hamilton d'Enderwycksimilar arms
Lindsaysimilar arms
Rileksimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Fumagalli, Giuseppe. Pavia e la sua Certosa. 1925
Archivio di Stato di Pavia, Stato civile della Restaurazione, 1815-1865
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
swordJustice, and military honour
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
saltireResolution, and St Andrew's cross
swordJustice, and military honour
dolphinSwiftness, charity and love
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
lionCourage, strength and royalty
