A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Pilato family of Germany.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Parti-émanché d'une demi-pièce et d'une entière de gu. sur arg. Cq. cour. C.: un vol, de gu. et d'arg.”
The Pilato arms were recorded in Saxony, c. 1765.
Saxony had mines, trade and old landed families all at once. Silver made some fortunes and land held others, and both sorts of family kept arms, which is why Saxon names appear so often in the registers.
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 Germany in this period.
Reigning in Germany when the Pilato arms are first recorded.
In the Holy Roman Empire, coats of arms were often granted to individuals by the Emperor or his representatives. These arms were then passed down through the generations to all legitimate descendants of the original holder. Younger branches of a family usually kept the same shield design without needing to change it, as the arms belonged to the entire lineage.
The family name Pilato carries a rich history that reflects the movement of people across Europe during the eighteenth century. While the name is often associated with Mediterranean roots, records confirm that members of the family were established in the region of Saxony by 1765. During this period, Saxony was a hub of industrial and cultural growth within the Holy Roman Empire. Families living there often worked in skilled trades or agriculture, contributing to the local economy as the region transitioned toward modern statehood. The presence of the Pilato name in this area suggests that the family was part of the broader migration patterns that defined Central Europe at the time. By settling in Saxony, these early ancestors integrated into a society known for its strict record-keeping and organized community life, which helped preserve the family identity for future generations.
Latin term for a javelin or spearman.
