The surname Orefice is of occupational origin and derives from the Italian term orefice ("goldsmith", "jeweller"), used to designate those who worked in the manufacture or trade of precious objects. On this point E. De Felice and E. Rossoni agree, noting that the surname arises from an occupational name attributed to the founding ancestor, following a common practice in the formation of Italian surnames.

Along the same lines, G. P. Holmes defines the term as "maker and seller of precious objects", reinforcing its professional character. E. De Felice further adds that, in some cases, the surname may represent the translation of an occupational name of Hebrew origin, which explains its presence among Italian Jewish families, always keeping the reference to the same artisan and commercial sphere.