E. Rossoni proposes that this surname would derive from the medieval name Maritanus, a shortened form of samaritanus, documented from at least the 5th century with the Latin writer Maritanus Capella, and in the following century with Maritanus de Sancto Alosio di Tortona, a name given in memory of the Good Samaritan of the Gospel. In some cases it could also derive from place names such as Maritani di Cumiana or Rocca Maritano, both in the Turin area.

According to Rossoni, Maritan is typically of Veneto, with a presence especially in the Padua area and in the Venice and Treviso areas. Maritani, of very scarce use, is recorded in the Vicenza area, while Maritano is proper to Piedmont, in the Turin area.

F. De Laurentiis considers Maritan a variant of Maritani, and notes its toponymic origin in the Turin area.