A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Gonnella family of Italy.
Reg. 7494 · 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 Gonnella Arms Were Recorded
Turin
Map of Italy showing where the Gonnella arms are recorded
The Gonnella 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 Gonnella Family in Italy
The Gonnella family name is rooted in the linguistic traditions of Northern Italy, specifically emerging from the Piedmont region where the city of Turin serves as a central historical anchor. The surname is derived from the medieval Italian word "gonnella," which referred to a type of tunic or long garment worn by both men and women during the Middle Ages. It is likely that the name originated as a descriptive nickname for a person who either made these garments or was known for wearing a distinctive style of clothing. By the time the family was firmly established in Turin in 1845, they were part of a vibrant urban culture undergoing significant social and industrial change. During this period, families in Turin were often defined by their trade or their specific neighborhood within the city walls, and the Gonnella name reflects this deep connection to the local craft and social history of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gonna
A type of tunic or long garment worn in the Middle Ages.
This name
GonnellaA diminutive form referring to someone who wore a specific type of tunic or cloak.
also spelled
Gonela
Gonnella
Gonellah
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Archivio di Stato di Torino, 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.
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
