A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gigli family of Italy.
Reg. 4527 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
Colours
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
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 à la fasce d'or, acc. de trois fleurs-de-lis d'arg: 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 Gigli Arms Were Recorded
Bologne
Map of Italy showing where the Gigli arms are recorded
The Gigli 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 Gigli 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 Gigli Family in Italy
The surname Gigli traces its roots to the rich cultural landscape of medieval Italy, where it emerged as a name derived from the Italian word for the lily flower. This floral association often linked the family to symbols of purity and nobility throughout the central regions of the country. By the late eighteenth century, historical records confirm that the Gigli family had established a notable presence in the city of Bologna. During this period, the family integrated into the local urban life of the city, which was then a major center for trade, education, and artistic development within the Papal States. As residents of Bologna in 1775, members of the family likely participated in the vibrant civic and professional life that defined the city during the Enlightenment era. Their long-standing presence in this region suggests a history deeply connected to the social and economic evolution of northern Italy.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Giglio
The Italian word for lily, a symbol of purity.
This name
GigliA patronymic or descriptive name derived from the lily flower.
also spelled
Gily
Jeely
Gilly
Related arms
van Huchtenburgsimilar arms
Gilyvariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Filippo Maria Renazzi, Storia dell'Università degli studi di Roma, 1803
Archivio di Stato di Bologna, Stato civile della restaurazione, serie anagrafica
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
labelThe eldest son, during his father's life
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
