A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Visconti family of Italy.
Reg. 5384 · Italian, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
knightChivalry and service in arms
Colours
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“D'arg. à une couleuvre ondoyante en pal d'azur, cour. d'or, engloutissant un enfant de carn., posé en fasce, les bras étendus. C.: la couleuvre iss., engloutissant l'enfant.”
ItalyMilan, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Visconti arms are recorded
The Visconti 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 Visconti 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 Visconti Family in Italy
The Visconti family name originated in the Lombardy region of Italy, where it became deeply connected to the political life of Milan. The name itself is derived from the Latin word *vicecomes*, which translates to vice-count or a deputy of a count. This suggests that the earliest members of the family held administrative or judicial roles under the authority of local feudal lords. By the time the family was firmly established in Milan during the eighteenth century, they had long transitioned from their early medieval origins into a prominent lineage of landowners and civic leaders. Their history is defined by a steady rise in social status through the management of local territories and their influence over the governance of the city. As they navigated the complex political landscape of Northern Italy, the family maintained a consistent presence in Milanese society for generations.
Visconti Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
vicecomes
A deputy or substitute of a count.
This name
ViscontiAn occupational title for someone who served as a deputy to a count.
also spelled
Vysconti
Viscontie
Viscontis
Viskonty
Related arms
Brentano-Mezzegrasimilar arms
Gallaratisimilar arms
Saviolesimilar arms
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Canevazzi, Giovanni. I Visconti di Milano. 1925
Litta, Pompeo. Famiglie celebri italiane. 1819
State Archives of Milan, Archivio Visconti di Modrone
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
knightChivalry and service in arms
serpentWisdom, healing and prudence
knightChivalry and service in arms
