A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Malkovich family of Italy.
Reg. 5619 · Italian, M–O
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 coupé d'arg. sur gu., à deux fleurs-de-lis de l'un à l'autre; aux 2 et 3 taillé de sa. sur or, à un griffon cour., tenant un sabre, de l'un à l'autre, soutenu d'un tertre de trois coupeaux de sin., le griffon du 3 cont. Deux cq. cour. C.: 1° un homme iss., hab. d'un parti de gu. et d'arg., coiffé d'un bonnet de gu. orné d'une plume de héron, tenant un guidon de gu. ch. d'une croix d'arg.; entre un vol coupé alt. d'arg. et de gu., chaque aile ch. d'une fleur-de-lis de l'un à l'autre; l. d'or et de sa.; 2° le griffon taillé du 2; l. d'arg. et de gu.”
DalmatiaDalmatia, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Malkovich arms are recorded
The Malkovich arms were recorded in Dalmatia, c. 1775.
Dalmatia was a string of walled towns along the Adriatic coast, each with its own leading families. Sea trade made them wealthy, and the towns kept lists of the houses entitled to arms.
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 Malkovich 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 Dalmatia.
Origin & History of the Malkovich Family in Italy
The surname Malkovich traces its roots to the coastal region of Dalmatia, where family members were documented as early as 1775. The name is derived from the Slavic root "malko," which translates to "small" or "little," and it likely began as a nickname for a person of short stature or perhaps the youngest member of a household. Over time, the suffix "vich" was added to signify a patronymic relationship, meaning the family name literally identifies the descendants of a man named Malko. During the late 18th century, families in this region were often deeply connected to the maritime trade and agricultural life of the Adriatic coast. As the family grew, they established themselves within the local social structures of the Dalmatian provinces, maintaining a presence in the area through generations of community involvement and regional development.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Mal
Derived from the Slavic word for small or little.
This name
MalkovichA patronymic surname meaning son of the little one or son of Mal.
also spelled
Markovitch
Markovic
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Kulenović, Tvrtko. Povijest dalmatinskih prezimena. 1998
Šimunović, Petar. Hrvatska prezimena: podrijetlo, značenje, rasprostranjenost. 2006
State Archives in Split, Matice krštenih (Baptismal Records) of the Dalmatian Dioceses, 1775
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
cross symbolChristian faith and service
fleur de lisPurity, light, and the sixth son
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
