E. De Felice and E. Rossoni agree that the surname derives from a pejorative medieval nickname linked to the trade of tanning hides, and also used figuratively to designate coarse or rustic people.

E. De Felice specifies that the term Pelacani is formed from pela- (derived from pelare: "to flay") and cani. He adds that the variant Pellicani reflects a euphemistic and folk-etymological alteration, by crossing with pellicano, to disguise the offensive name.

E. Rossoni identifies it as specific to the Val d’Elsa and documents its transformation into a surname as early as the 13th century in Siena, with a certain Chiaramonte Pelacani, who at the end of that century entered the order of the Servites of Mary as a lay brother.