The authors agree that this surname derives from the proper name Gabriele, of biblical and evangelical origin. Both note that the Latin name Gabriel reproduced the Greek Gabriél, which in turn adapted the Hebrew Gabri'el, name of the archangel sent by God to Mary to announce to her the birth of Christ.

As for the meaning, the authors agree that there are two interpretations: "God is strong", from the Hebrew root gabar or gabhár ("to be strong") joined to 'El (abbreviation of 'Elohim, "God"); or "man of God", combining gheber or gébher ("man") with 'El.

E. De Felice adds that in the Salentine area —that is, the southernmost zone of the region of Puglia, in the south of Italy— the variants Gavrili and Gravili, of Neo-Greek tradition, are documented.