The surname Chiaruttini presents a complex and disputed etymology, of probable anthroponymic origin, based on old Latin adjectives and their evolution in the Friulian sphere.

According to E. Rossoni, there are two main interpretations. The first links it with the Latin clarus ("clear, luminous"), although this hypothesis presents phonetic difficulties in the Friulian context, where the group cl- is clearly preserved (as in clâr). For this reason, if this derivation were correct, a Venetan or Venetian mediation should be supposed. In this same line surnames such as Clarotti or Clarot are related.

The second interpretation, considered more solid by the author, connects it with the old affectionate Latin nickname carus ("dear"), from which the Friulian cjàr derives. In this case, the surname would have arisen as an affectionate or familiar form, evolving in the dialectal sphere of Friuli.