A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Garofalo family of Italy.
Reg. 3258 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
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 au griffon d'or; au chef du premier, ch. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'or, rangées entre les quatre pendants d'un lambel de gu.”
ItalyBologne, c. 1775
Where the Garofalo Arms Were Recorded
Bologne
Map of Italy showing where the Garofalo arms are recorded
The Garofalo arms were recorded in Bologne, 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 Garofalo 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 Garofalo Family in Italy
The surname Garofalo originates from the Italian word for the carnation flower, which was a common botanical term used to describe people during the Middle Ages. By the time the family was firmly established in Bologna in 1775, the name had already been in use for several centuries across various regions of Italy. Families carrying this name were often associated with the artisan and merchant classes, contributing to the vibrant economic life of northern Italian cities. As the family settled into Bologna, they became part of the local social fabric, likely participating in the city's long tradition of trade and civic administration. The name reflects a time when surnames were frequently derived from nature, helping to distinguish specific lineages within growing urban populations.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
garofano
The Italian word for the carnation or clove flower.
This name
GarofaloA topographic or habitational name referring to someone who lived near a place where carnations grew.
also spelled
Garofalo
Garofal
Garofalino
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Fucile, Maria. I cognomi d'Italia: Dizionario storico ed etimologico. 1987
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, 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.
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
