A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gargano family of Italy.
Reg. 3728 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“D'arg. à trois bandes de gu.; au chef d'or, ch. de trois oiseaux d'arg., bq. et m. de gu.”
NaplesNaples, c. 1775
Where the Gargano Arms Were Recorded
Naples
Map of Italy showing where the Gargano arms are recorded
The Gargano arms were recorded in Naples, c. 1775.
Naples was the largest city in Italy and the seat of a kingdom. Its noble houses were numerous, and the kingdom kept formal lists of the families entitled to arms, which is why so many appear in the records.
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 Gargano 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 Naples.
Origin & History of the Gargano Family in Italy
The surname Gargano is deeply rooted in the geography of southern Italy, specifically taking its name from the prominent Gargano Peninsula in the Puglia region. While the name is tied to this rugged, mountainous headland that juts into the Adriatic Sea, families bearing this name eventually migrated across the southern provinces. By the late eighteenth century, the Gargano family had established a notable presence in the vibrant city of Naples. Records from 1775 confirm that members of the family were active participants in the social and economic life of the Neapolitan capital during a period of significant cultural growth. As the family settled into urban life, they transitioned from their regional origins to become part of the complex history of one of Europe’s oldest and most densely populated cities.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Garganus
Derived from the Latin term for a mountain or rocky peak.
This name
GarganoRefers to a person originating from the Gargano promontory in the Apulia region.
also spelled
Gargani
Gargan
Garganou
Related arms
Garganvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Archivio di Stato di Napoli, Stato Civile della Restaurazione
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
martletA younger son, who must win his own land
