Amico

Amico

Alias: D'Amico, de Amico

Blazon: or a bend azure, with a sparrow passant proper. The old arms of the family were: azure, a cross or. 

Crown of a duke/marquess (according to the branch) 

Origins: Bologna (Italy)

Seat: Milazzo, Messina, Catania

Notable people: 

• Ruggero served as Justiciar of Sicily from 1239 to 1240, and then as captain and Grand Justiciar of Sicily and Calabria from 1241. 
• Nicoberto de Amico was among the knights of Milazzo in 1283
• Giovanni d'Amico, under Frederick III, lost everything, including his life, for adhering to a rebellion. 
• Another Giovanni, under King Martino, began to recover some of these assets and served King Alfonso in wars, for which he was created a knight of the golden spur with territories and taxation rights, also obtaining the castellany of Milazzo in 1457.
• Giovanni was a royal soldier and castellan of S. Lucia in 1448, a charge held by the family for many generations. 
• Giacomo was the general treasurer of the kingdom in 1453, 
• Antonio obtained the title of Royal Knight in 1574. 
• Giovanni and Francesco, knights of Malta in the 16th century
• Paolo Amico e La Rocca married Anna Pagano of the princes of Ucria 
• Vito, Baron of Grano, obtained the title of Royal Knight in 1652
• Girolamo Amico, through his marriage to Saveria Cocuzza, was the father of Costantino, the first Count of Guido in 1734. 
• Costantino's son, Cesare Mariano, acquired the tuna fishery of S. Giorgio 
• Francesco Carlo had the title of Count of Guido confirmed in 1779 and became the first Duke of Calvello, formerly Ossada, a fief he had acquired from Goffredo Calvello in March 1777. He was governor of the Compagnia della Carita' of Palermo in 1788, "protoconservatore" of the city of Milazzo in the years 1769, 1774, 1782, 1786 and in 1790 was inducted into the mastra nobile of Messina in 1807
• Cesare Mariano, who married Carmela Stagno of the princes of Montesalso, and their son Francesco Carlo married Maria di Napoli, only daughter of Bernardo, marquess of Melia, having a single daughter, Rosa (who married Vincenzo Calcagno). 
• Antonino Amico e Lucifero was honoured by Charles III of Bourbon with the title of Marquis in 1759 for significant services rendered to the Spanish crown. He married Rosalia Calà, and had a son, Tommaso-Mariano. 
• Tommaso was inscribed in the noble registry of Messina in 1807, invested with the title of Marquis in 1787, and married Giovanna Carrozza e Mores. 
• Felice Antonio d'Amico e Carrozza married Domenica Cumbo, and their lineage continued with Tommaso Mariano and Felice Antonio, as well as Francesco and Domenica. 
• Francesco d'Amico, Baron of Villamico, was inscribed in the noble registry of Catania in 1696. 

Titles: 

• Duke of Calvello
• Marquess of the name
• Count of Guido
• Baron of Ficarra
• Royal Knight

Bibliography: Mango 1912, s.v. 'Amico'

The D'Amico family is believed to descend from Count Amico d'Amico, who initially allied with the Normans to expel the Saracens but later conspired against Duke Robert Guiscard due to being overlooked for their role in the conquest of the island. Separately, historical accounts from Villabianca indicate a Guglielmo d'Amico who was Baron of Ficarra but was dispossessed for treason by King Conrad I. Mugnos states that this was a noble Bolognese family established in Messina during the time of Frederick II, from whom they received positions and favours.

Throughout history, members of this family held significant positions. Mugnos concludes that almost all members of this family were highly distinguished individuals, known for their important positions, illustrious actions, and, at times, valour. Branches of this family also flourished in Milazzo and Catania.

The D'Amico family is also found among the noble families of Vizzini, though this branch seems distinct from the aforementioned, noted as a non-noble branch of an existing family in Augusta.