A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Tonelli family of Italy.
Reg. 5943 · Italian, T–V
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Ec.: aux 1 et 4 d'arg. à trois puits d'or, maçonnés de sa., mal-ordonnés; aux 2 et 3 d'azur à une licorne naiss. d'arg., mouv. d'un puits d'or, maçonné de sa.; 4. une aigle de sa., 1. d'arg. et d'azur.”
ItalyMilan, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Tonelli arms are recorded
The Tonelli arms were recorded in Milan, c. 1775.
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 Tonelli 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 Italy.
Origin & History of the Tonelli Family in Italy
The surname Tonelli originates from the northern regions of Italy, with deep historical roots tied to the vibrant urban culture of Milan. By 1775, the family was well-established within the city, where they participated in the social and economic life of the Lombardy region. The name itself is a patronymic, which means it likely began as a way to identify a person as the son or descendant of someone named Antonio or a related diminutive form like Tonio. During the late eighteenth century, families like the Tonellis were often part of the growing middle class or the professional artisan guilds that helped define Milanese society. As the city underwent significant changes during this era, the Tonelli family played their part in the local community, leaving behind records in parish registers and municipal tax documents that track their presence through generations of city life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Antonio
Derived from the Roman family name Antonius of uncertain Etruscan origin.
This name
TonelliA diminutive form indicating a descendant or son of someone named Antonio.
also spelled
Tynelli
Tinelly
Tynelly
Tineli
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Archivio di Stato di Milano, Stato delle anime
Canevazzi, Giovanni, Origine dei cognomi italiani, 1928
De Felice, Emidio, Dizionario dei cognomi italiani, 1978
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
unicornPurity, and extreme courage in defence of honour
