Ilić
The noble Ilić family
- Bearer
- Noble family of Ilić
- Origin
- Serbia (15th century)
- Nobility
- Acquired in 1661
- Registration
- Croatian Diet
- Known for
- Physicians (court of Emperor Frederick III)
- Author of the reconstruction
- Nebojša Dikić
Blazon
Divided vertically (per pale); in the dexter black field is a gold lion rampant; in the sinister red field is a silver crescent with its horns turned upwards, accompanied by three silver six-pointed stars (two above and one below the crescent).
On a gold open barred helm, set facing front and adorned with a gold crown, are five ostrich feathers in the following order: black, silver, green, silver and red.
Two-sided and of different colours; the dexter side of the mantling is black, lined with gold, while the sinister side is red, lined with silver; the mantling is richly stylised in acanthus form.
Beneath the shield, on a red fluttering ribbon, the family name is written in gold letters: ILLICH.
Symbolism and meaning
The arms of the Ilić (Illich) family are a modern emblazonment of ancient noble insignia, combining classical knightly elements with traditional symbols of leadership and strength. The Ilić family descends from settlers from Serbia who established themselves in what was then Croatia in the fifteenth century, and they formally acquired and confirmed their nobility at the Croatian Diet in 1661.
The lion rampant on a black ground symbolises courage, nobility and unbreakable strength of character, while gold on the black field points to constancy and wisdom. The crescent and stars on the red ground are often associated with the historical symbolism of protection, guidance through darkness and military glory.
The family is recorded in history for its outstanding physicians. Ivan Ilić, the first nobleman of his surname, was a physician at the court of Emperor Frederick III, which is reflected in heraldry in the gold helm, indicating high rank and knightly status. Information on this distinguished family is preserved in Viktor Duišin's “Zbornik plemstva”.
