A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Stefano family of Italy.
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)“Tranché d'arg. sur gu. C.: un demi-vol aux armes de l'écu.”
The Stefano 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.
Reigning in Italy when the Stefano arms are first recorded.
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 surname Stefano finds its roots in the ancient Greek name Stephanos, which translates to crown or garland. As the name spread throughout the Mediterranean, it became a popular choice across Italy and the surrounding coastal regions. By the late eighteenth century, the family established a notable presence in the Dalmatian region, which is located along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea. During this period, Dalmatia served as a vital crossroads for trade and cultural exchange between the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. Families living in this area often navigated a blend of Slavic and Italian influences, which shaped their daily lives and social standing. The presence of the Stefano family in Dalmatia by 1775 suggests they were part of a long-standing tradition of families who moved across the Adriatic to pursue opportunities in commerce and administration within these historic port cities.
Greek word meaning crown, garland, or wreath.
