Map of England showing where the Santelli arms are recorded
The Santelli arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried 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 England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Santelli arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Santelli Family in England
The Santelli family name has roots that trace back to the Italian peninsula, where it originated as a derivative of the name Santo, meaning holy or saintly. While the name is deeply connected to Italian history, members of the family began migrating across Europe during the early seventeenth century for trade and religious reasons. By 1620, records indicate that individuals bearing the Santelli name were established in the city of York in England. During this period, York was a significant hub for international merchants and skilled artisans, suggesting that the early Santellis likely arrived as part of the growing network of European professionals seeking new opportunities in northern England. Their presence in such a historic city highlights the mobility of families during the Renaissance and the way surnames traveled across borders as people moved to find work and stability.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Sanctus
Latin term meaning holy, sacred, or saintly.
This name
SantelliA diminutive form indicating a little saint or a person of holy character.
also spelled
Sandall
Sandill
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Fucilla, Joseph G., Our Italian Surnames, 1949
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Probate Records, 1620
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
chevronProtection, and faithful service completed
crescentHonour by the sovereign, and the second son
cinquefoilHope and joy
