The authors differ on the origin of this surname. E. Rossoni proposes as the most probable hypothesis that it derives from a reduced form of the name Nicolao, borne by the founder of the lineage. As a less probable hypothesis, Rossoni notes a possible derivation from the archaic Portuguese term colao, meaning "counsellor".

P. Durante, on the other hand, proposes a Greek origin, deriving it from the word kholos, which means "lame".

As for its geographical distribution, Rossoni places it as typical of the Catanzaro area and the Crotone area, with presence especially in Simeri Crichi, Catanzaro, Soveria Simeri, Sellia Marina, Sersale, Cotronei, Crotone and Roccabernarda, all localities of Calabria.