The authors agree that this surname is of Sicilian origin and derives from the dialectal word cassatàru, which designates the confectioner specialised in the making of the cassata, the traditional sweet of Sicily. From that trade was formed the nickname that over time became a surname.

E. Rossoni places the origin of the surname in the Palermo area, with presence documented in localities such as Pollina and Cefalù. V. Blunda broadens the cultural context: he notes that the cassatari formed part of the urban craft fabric of Sicily, with workshops established particularly in Palermo, Catania and Messina, and that their trade was closely linked to the celebrations of the liturgical cycle and to family festivities, such as weddings, in which the cassata reached the rank of ceremonial piece, especially during the festivities of Easter.