G. Rohlfs identifies this surname as of Greek-Byzantine origin, present in Reggio Calabria city, in the Catanzaro area —specifically in Crotone— and in the province of Reggio Calabria, in localities such as Grotterìa, Ferruzzano and the Mèlito area. He derives it from the Greek name Phokàs, documented in ancient papyrus, and refers to the related surname Fucà. Rohlfs also notes that the accent may be lost in Argentina, giving rise to the form Foca.

P. Durante agrees on the Greek origin and likewise points to the proper name Phokàs as the etymological base, without adding additional geographical information.