A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Picardi family of Italy.
Reg. 0514 · Italian, P–S
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
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.: au 1 d'arg. à une aigle de sa., cour. du même, fixant un soleil d'or, mouv. du canton dextre du chef; au 2 d'azur à la barre voûtée d'arg., ch. de trois étoiles (5) du champ et acc. d'une comète d'arg., posée au canton dextre du chef, la queue en bande; au 3 d'azur au lion cont. d'or, ramp. contre une tour du même, mouv. du parti; au 4 d'arg. à un arbre terrassé de sin., acc. d'un soleil d'or, mouv. du canton sen. du chef.”
SicilySicily, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Picardi arms are recorded
The Picardi arms were recorded in Sicily, c. 1775.
Sicily was ruled in turn by Normans, Germans, French and Spanish, and each left landed families behind. The island kept formal lists of its noble houses, which is why so many Sicilian names carry recorded 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 Picardi 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 Sicily.
Origin & History of the Picardi Family in Italy
The name Picardi is deeply rooted in the history of southern Italy, particularly within the island of Sicily. By the late 18th century, families bearing this name were well-established in Sicilian society, as evidenced by records dating back to 1775. The name itself is likely derived from the Italian word "picardo," which historically served as a descriptive term for people who traveled from the Picardy region of France. During the Middle Ages, soldiers and merchants from various parts of Europe frequently moved into the Mediterranean, and it is common for such regional identifiers to evolve into permanent family surnames over several generations. By the time the family appeared in Sicilian administrative documents in the 1770s, they had become integrated into the local agricultural and civic life of the island, helping to shape the unique cultural landscape of the region.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Picard
A person originating from the Picardy region of northern France.
This name
PicardiAn Italian surname denoting someone who came from the Picardy region.
also spelled
Picardy
Pycardi
Pikardi
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Palermo, Stato Civile della Restaurazione
De Felice, Emidio, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani, 1978
Rohlfs, Gerhard, Dizionario storico dei cognomi in Sicilia, 1984
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
cantonA mark of honour granted by the sovereign
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
sunGlory, splendour and the source of life
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
cometA great event foretold, and swift renown
lionCourage, strength and royalty
towerGrandeur and solidity, and a stronghold defended
treeLife, endurance and deep roots
