A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Girardi family of Italy.
Reg. 7308 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
Colours
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
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)
“De gu. à la fasce d'arg., ch. d'une rose du champ et acc. de deux roses du sec., 1 en chef et 1 en p.”
VeniceVenice, c. 1775
Where the Girardi Arms Were Recorded
Venice
Map of Italy showing where the Girardi arms are recorded
The Girardi arms were recorded in Venice, c. 1775.
Venice ran on trade, and its great families were merchants before they were anything else. The city kept a formal list of its noble houses, and a name on that list carried arms as a matter of record.
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 Girardi 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 Venice.
Origin & History of the Girardi Family in Italy
The surname Girardi is a patronymic name that originates from the Germanic personal name Gerhard, which translates to "brave spear." Over many centuries, this name spread across Italy and evolved into various regional forms as it moved from the northern territories toward the coast. By the year 1775, the Girardi family was well-established within the social and professional fabric of Venice. During this era, Venice served as a major hub for trade and craftsmanship, and families like the Girardi often integrated themselves into the city’s bustling merchant guilds or administrative circles. Their presence in such a prominent maritime power suggests that they were likely involved in the economic life of the Venetian Republic, contributing to the unique cultural identity that defined the city during the late eighteenth century.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gerhard
Derived from Germanic elements meaning spear and brave or hardy.
This name
GirardiAn Italian patronymic or plural form indicating descent from a bearer of the name Gerhard.
also spelled
Girardy
Gyrardi
Jirardi
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani, 1978
Fucilla, Joseph G., Our Italian Surnames, 1949
Archivio di Stato di Venezia, Anagrafe e stato civile della Repubblica di Venezia, 1775
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
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
roseThe seventh son, and beauty with grace
