A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Stefanos 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 Stefanos 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 Stefanos 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 name Stefanos finds its roots in the ancient Greek word *stephanos*, which translates to crown or garland. Historically, this name was frequently adopted as a given name to honor Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, which helped it spread rapidly across the Mediterranean region. By the late 18th century, families bearing this name were well-established in the coastal regions of Dalmatia. During the year 1775, these families were often deeply integrated into the local maritime and trade networks that connected the Adriatic coast to the broader Venetian and Balkan worlds. Living in this crossroads of cultures, the early Stefanos family members likely navigated a complex social landscape defined by both seafaring traditions and the administrative influence of the Republic of Venice. These ancestors were part of a resilient population that maintained strong ties to their regional identity while participating in the vibrant economic life of the Dalmatian ports.
Greek word meaning crown or garland of victory.
