A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Griffo family of Italy.
Reg. 0718 · Italian, G–I
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
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'arg. à un griffon de gu.”
NaplesNaples, c. 1775
Where the Griffo Arms Were Recorded
Naples
Map of Italy showing where the Griffo arms are recorded
The Griffo arms were recorded in Naples, c. 1775.
Naples was the largest city in Italy and the seat of a kingdom. Its noble houses were numerous, and the kingdom kept formal lists of the families entitled to arms, which is why so many appear in the records.
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 Griffo 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 Naples.
Origin & History of the Griffo Family in Italy
The Griffo family name has deep roots in the vibrant culture of southern Italy, particularly within the city of Naples. By the year 1775, records confirm that members of the family were well-established residents of this historic region. The name itself is thought to be derived from the medieval personal name Griffo, which was a common way to identify individuals during the Middle Ages. Families with this surname often lived in urban centers where they participated in the local trade and social life of the Kingdom of Naples. As the family grew, they became part of the diverse social fabric of the city, contributing to the local economy and community development for generations. Their presence in Naples during the late eighteenth century highlights a long history of stability and connection to one of Europe’s most significant cultural hubs.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Gryphus
A mythical creature with the body of a lion and eagle head.
This name
GriffoDerived from a nickname for a person with a fierce or vigilant nature.
also spelled
Griffoh
Griffoe
Grifo
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 Napoli, Stato Civile della Restaurazione
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griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
