The surname Orciani is of mainly toponymic origin and is linked with the name of Orciano di Pesaro, in the region of the Marche. On this point E. De Felice and E. Rossoni agree, noting that the surname was formed to indicate the geographical provenance of the line from this place name.

Nevertheless, E. Rossoni also proposes a possible alternative interpretation of an occupational character, relating it to the Latin term urceus ("jar"), in reference to the trade of maker of large terracotta vessels used to preserve oil. In this way, the surname could reflect both a territorial origin and an artisan activity, in line with the usual processes of formation of Italian surnames.