A record of documented arms, meaning and origin, researched for the Volpi family of Italy.
Reg. 5161 · Italian, W–Z
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
foxWit and wisdom in defence
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Red (Gules)Means: Military strength
Green (Vert)Means: Hope
Black (Sable)Means: Constancy
Silver (Argent)Means: Peace and sincerity
Historical info
Source
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Coupé: au 1 d'or à l'aigle de sa., cour. du champ; au 2 de gu. à un renard d'arg., courant sur une terrasse de plusieurs coupeaux de sin. C.: un renard assis d'arg.”
ItalyMilan, c. 1775
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Map of Italy showing where the Volpi arms are recorded
The Volpi 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 Volpi 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 Volpi Family in Italy
The surname Volpi is derived from the Italian word for fox, which was often used as a nickname for someone perceived to be clever, quick, or cunning. By the mid-18th century, the family had established a notable presence in Milan, a city that served as a major cultural and economic hub under the influence of the Austrian Habsburg Empire. Records from 1775 indicate that members of the Volpi family were integrated into the local urban fabric during this period of significant administrative reform. As the family navigated the changing social landscape of Lombardy, they likely participated in the professional and mercantile activities that defined Milanese life in the late 1700s. This history reflects the broader movement of families who settled in northern Italian cities to build lives centered on trade and civic engagement.
Volpi Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Vulpes
The Latin word for a fox.
This name
VolpiA surname historically given to someone perceived as cunning or sly like a fox.
also spelled
Volpe
Volpy
Related arms
Volpevariant spelling
Documented Sources
J. B. Rietstap, Armorial Général, Gouda: G. B. van Goor Zonen, 1884–87
De Felice, Emidio. Dizionario dei cognomi italiani. 1978
Archivio di Stato di Milano, Stato civile della Restaurazione, Milano
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
foxWit and wisdom in defence
mountThe ground held, and steadfastness upon it
eagleNobility, strength and a keen mind
foxWit and wisdom in defence
