A story in the name
The meaning of the name Molle, which is listed as of foreign origin by Francesco Grillo in his book "Historical Origin of Localities and ancient surnames of the Republic of Genoa," is unclear, and it is often hypothesized to be originating in the Occitan language, as an alteration of the noun indicating either the tongs of a blacksmith or the stone of an oil mill.
Molle
The earliest public record of this ancient patrician family appears in a notarized deed dated May 15, 1233, documenting a farming lease agreement for a substantial piece of land owned by Dominus Iohannes Molli. By the early 1600s, the Molle family had risen into the local nobility to become one of the wealthiest and most influential landowners in the region, consistently holding positions as Consuls and local Magistrates. For centuries, the Molles played a prominent role in the economic and civic life of western Liguria, participating in significant historical events such as the Battle of Loano (1795) and the Italian Campaign (1859) during the Risorgimento. The family eventually relocated to Genoa in the early 1900s
Montanari
The earliest record of the Montanari family dates back to the mid-1500s with Angelo della Villa del Monte (now known as Monterado) in the Province of Ancona. The absence of a family name and the use of the courtesy title "Ser," typically reserved for people of Jewish ancestry, followed by a geographic patronymic, suggest that he was a Sephardic Jew. Numerous notarized deeds allow us to trace the family's growing wealth and socio-economic status, which culminated in their acceptance into the local nobility and the acquisition of the title of Lord of Ostra. After the formation of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861, the family maintained their standing but never sought inclusion in the Kingdom's 'Golden Book.' Later, they were offered a lordship (Count), which they declined due to their disdain for the fascist regime. Upon returning to Italy from Africa, the family, like many others, faced the challenges of the post-war period.
Arms of Andrea Molle
Tierced per pale Argent, three bendlets sinister Azure. Or, the dexter half of an Eagle displayed Sable; and Or, three bendlets dancetty Sable.
Motto: DEO ADIUTORE (Latin for “God's Helper”)
Montanari
Arms granted in the mid-17th century upon their admission to the council of the city of Tomba di Senigallia, when Signore Ubaldo Montanari was also granted the hereditary title of Signifer della Guardia. The family later became lords of Ostra. Further documented in Libro d’oro della città di Senigallia by G.M. Mastai Ferretti and A. Squarti Perla, La distinta civiltà nella Regione Marchigiana, Acquaviva Picena 2009, vol. I.
Molle
Arms granted to Signore Giacomo Molle, Consul of Boissano, in 1597. Recognition as patrician by the crown of Italy included in Memorie Manoscritte dell’Avvocato Bernardo Mattiauda and Dizionario feudale degli Antichi Stati Sardi e della Lombardia by Don Francesco Guasco marchese di Bisio, 1909.