The authors agree that this is a typically Sardinian surname, originating in a nickname derived from the Sardinian term perra. E. Rossoni indicates that this word means "half" but also "obstinacy" or "stubbornness," traits that probably characterized the first bearer. F. Miranda broadens the possible meanings —"half, thigh," "pig-headedness, stubbornness"— and further notes a possible Spanish origin of the term.

Rossoni describes its presence in Sardinia in detail: it is especially diffused in the Cagliari area —Quartu Sant'Elena, Sinnai, Dolianova, Monserrato, Selargius, Quartucciu, Sestu, Settimo San Pietro, Burcei and San Sperate—, in the Oristano area —Oristano, Baratili San Pietro, Assolo and Terralba—, in Iglesias, and with a lesser presence also in Sassari.

Miranda adds that the surname extends, in specific areas, to other regions: Lombardy, Piedmont, Lazio, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Veneto and Sicily. On this last island it appears in the provinces of Palermo —Palermo, Altavilla Milicia, Cefalù—, Enna —Regalbuto—, Trapani —Alcamo—, Catania —Calatabiano, Pedara, Catania—, Syracuse and Ragusa —Comiso.