According to E. De Felice, Alberici is a patronymic surname derived from the medieval Germanic personal name Alberico (northern form Alberigo), documented in Italy from at least the 9th century in the Latinized form Albericus. The name was introduced through Ostrogothic and later Frankish influence and became widespread during the Middle Ages.

The name Alberico is composed of the Germanic elements albhi (“elf” or supernatural spirit) and rikia (“king,” “lord,” or “ruler”), giving it the meaning of “king of the elves” or “lord of the elves.” Names of this type were highly regarded in the Germanic world and often conveyed prestige and noble qualities.

E. Rossoni agrees with this interpretation, likewise tracing the surname to the ancient Germanic name Alberico, and in some cases possibly Alarico. He confirms the derivation from albhi and ric, carrying the same meaning of “king of the elves,” and notes that the surname’s diffusion in Italy reflects its medieval roots and the influence of Germanic peoples.

Overall, Alberici belongs to the group of Italian patronymic surnames derived from the medieval personal name Alberico and originally identified the descendants of an ancestor bearing that name.