E. Rossoni identifies this surname as characteristic of Veneto, with a presence across the areas of Vicenza, Padua, Treviso, and Venice. Rossoni traces its origin to the Latin cognomen Marinus or to the medieval given name Marino.

F. De Laurentiis broadens this etymological picture, noting that the Latin name Marinus is itself of Etruscan origin, probably derived from Marius. By popular etymology, however, it came to be associated with the Latin adjective marinus, meaning "of the sea, who lives and works in maritime areas." De Laurentiis further adds that in some cases the surname may reflect the place names Marina or Marino.

It is also recorded that the surname relates to the given name Marinus, or alternatively served to designate someone who lived or worked near the sea — the Latin mare.