Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De gu. à un griffon d'or.”
A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Martelli family of Italy.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“De gu. à un griffon d'or.”

The Martelli arms were recorded in Florence, c. 1775.
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.
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.
The Martelli family name has deep roots in the city of Florence, where the family established themselves as prominent figures in the local community long before the late eighteenth century. The name itself is derived from the Italian word for hammer, which likely points to an early ancestral connection to skilled metalworkers or blacksmiths who held respected positions in the city’s guilds. By the time the family appeared in official records during the year 1775, they were already well-integrated into the social and economic fabric of the region. Throughout their early history, the Martellis were known for their active participation in the civic life of Florence, often serving in administrative roles that helped shape the city’s development. Their presence in these historical documents reflects a legacy of hard work and steady influence that allowed the family to maintain a stable standing in Tuscany for many generations.
A Latin diminutive form meaning little hammer.
