The authors agree that this surname derives from nicknames linked to the trade of bricklayer. F. Miranda specifies the etymology: it comes from the Latin murus and, more anciently, moirus or moerus, of the same root as moenia ("walls") and munire ("to entrench, to fortify, to build for defence"). For the Romans, murus designated the wall that protected the city, as distinct from paries, which was the wall of a private house or building. Miranda classifies the surname as agentis or epangelmatico, that is, indicative of a trade or profession.

As for its geographical distribution, E. Rossoni notes that Muratore is very widespread in Sicily and in the Reggio Calabria area, with a presence also at Ventimiglia, in the Imperia area. Miranda broadens this picture: besides Sicily —where he mentions areas of Palermo, Messina, Catania, Agrigento and Syracuse— and Calabria, he records a presence in Piedmont, Liguria and Lombardy. Both authors agree that the variant Muratori is native to Emilia-Romagna.

Rossoni highlights as a notable figure Ludovico Antonio Muratori (1672–1750), born at Vignola, in the Modena area, a churchman and historian, author of monumental works on Italian medieval history.