A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gonella family of Italy.
Reg. 3352 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé, d'arg. au lion léopardé de gu., sur or à trois bandes de gu.; à la fasce du même, br. sur le coupé. Au chef d'écu d'azur, ch. de trois étoiles d'or.”
ItalyTurin, c. 1845
Where the Gonella Arms Were Recorded
Turin
Map of Italy showing where the Gonella arms are recorded
The Gonella arms were recorded in Turin, c. 1845.
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.
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 Gonella Family in Italy
The surname Gonella originates from the northern regions of Italy, with deep historical roots tied to the Piedmont area. The name is derived from the medieval Italian word "gonella," which referred to a specific type of tunic or outer garment worn during the Middle Ages. It is likely that the name began as a descriptive nickname for a person who either made these garments or was known for wearing a distinct style of clothing. By the mid-19th century, the family had established a notable presence in Turin, a city that served as a major center for culture and political change during the Italian Risorgimento. Records from 1845 confirm that members of the Gonella family were active participants in the social and professional life of this growing urban hub. As the family integrated into the fabric of Turin, they contributed to the local development of the region during a pivotal era in Italian history.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gono
A medieval term referring to a knee or a joint.
This name
GonellaA diminutive form used as a nickname for someone with prominent knees or a specific gait.
also spelled
Gonela
Gonnella
Gonellah
Related arms
Alfierirecorded with Gonella, same area
Assandrirecorded with Gonella, same area
Calavecchiorecorded with Gonella, same area
de Morrirecorded with Gonella, same area
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
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
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
chiefAuthority, wisdom and dominion
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
