Italian in origin, the family's name was formerly spelled Socini, Sozini or Sozzini.
While resident in Bellinzona in 1551, the family received a confirmation of nobility from the Holy Roman Emperor.
Benedetto's descendants rose to great prominence as wealthy merchants in Basel.
[4] The latter was a grand-grandfather of Abel Seyler, one of the preeminent theatre principals of 18th century Europe.
[4][5][6]The coat of arms, a black lion ramping in a white field, with a red ball close to the uplifted claw, is known since the early 14th century when it was used by the notary Ser Mino Sozzi (died 1340).