The authors agree that the surname derives from the given name Corrado, of Germanic origin, to which the diminutive suffix -ini is added. E. De Stefani specifies that the original Germanic form is Kuonrat, composed of kuoni ("bold") and radi ("counsel"), with the sense of "the one who gives bold counsel". F. De Laurentiis notes that the name is documented from the 10th century in the Latinized forms Conradus and Corradus, and that it belongs to the Frankish and German tradition.

Both authors agree that the diffusion of the name was due to the prestige of emperors and kings who bore it. De Stefani mentions the period between 811 (Conrad I) and 1237 (Conrad IV); De Laurentiis specifies Conrad I of Franconia, Conrad II the Salian and Conrad III of Swabia, between the 10th and 11th centuries. Over time, the name became a surname.

On the geographical distribution, De Stefani indicates that the surname is known in a good part of central and northern Italy, with concentration in the Modena area —particularly in Carpi and Sassuolo— and in the Trentino, in localities such as Castello Molina di Fiemme and Trento. It also appears in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. He adds that formerly it was frequent in Preone, in the Carnia —a mountainous zone of the north of Friuli, in the province of Udine—, where it is documented from ancient times.