The surname Onorato is of anthroponymic origin and derives from the personal name Onorato, which continues the Latin cognomen Honoratus, participle of honorare ("to honour"), with the meaning "worthy of honour and respect". On this point E. De Felice and A. Bongioanni agree, noting that it is a name of auspicious character, diffused in the Christian tradition.

Both authors further highlight its link with various saints who bore this name, which favoured its diffusion as a personal name and its subsequent transformation into a surname. Likewise, A. Bongioanni specifies that from this name derive mainly the forms Onorati and Honorati, the latter with the Latinizing spelling, all belonging to the same onomastic base.