E. Rossoni considers this an extremely rare surname, of probable Sicilian origin, with a presence especially in the area of Capri Leone and Naso, in the province of Messina. According to Rossoni, it would derive from a dialect diminutive formed from the shortened final part of the name Tommaso.

F. Miranda agrees on the Sicilian origin and on the link with the name Tommaso, although he specifies that the derivation is explained by aphaeresis, that is, the dropping of the initial syllable of the name. Miranda broadens the geographical distribution: in Sicily, besides localities of the province of Messina —such as Sant'Agata Militello, Torrenova, Naso, Capri Leone and Capo d'Orlando—, he also notes a presence in the province of Enna, in the locality of Centuripe. He likewise indicates that the surname is recorded in some areas of Piedmont, Liguria and Campania.