A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gennari family of Italy.
Reg. 8357 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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'azur à une licorne naiss. d'arg., mouv. d'un gabion du même et acc. en chef d'une étoile (5) d'or.”
ItalyBologne, c. 1775
Where the Gennari Arms Were Recorded
Bologne
Map of Italy showing where the Gennari arms are recorded
The Gennari 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 Gennari 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 Gennari Family in Italy
The surname Gennari traces its roots back to the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, where the family established a notable presence in the historic city of Bologna by the late 18th century. The name itself is derived from the Latin name Gennaro, which was traditionally associated with the month of January and often bestowed upon children born during that time. By 1775, records indicate that members of the Gennari family were active participants in the social and professional life of Bologna, a city renowned for its ancient university and vibrant trade networks. During this era, families like the Gennaris were often integrated into the local urban fabric as skilled tradespeople, merchants, or landowners who helped shape the city’s development. Their presence in the region reflects the broader history of Italian families who built stable lives within the bustling administrative and cultural centers of the Papal States.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gennaro
Derived from the Latin name Januarius, meaning born in January.
This name
GennariA patronymic or plural form indicating descendants of a person named Gennaro.
also spelled
Gennary
Jenaree
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Stato civile della Restaurazione
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Anagrafe della popolazione
De Felice, Emidio, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani, 1978
Fanti, Mario, Le famiglie bolognesi, 1997
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
