E. De Felice and P. Regati agree that the surname derives from a nickname and occupational name probably formed from the Genoese common noun picassu, derived from picu (or picùn, 'pick, pickaxe'). Like the modern Genoese picassìn, it could indicate 'stonecutter, stone carver' and, in general, one who works with a pick or similar tools.

P. Regati adds that the surname by which the great Spanish painter Picasso preferred to be known was that of his mother, of Genoese origin: his maternal grandfather Tommaso Picasso was born and lived near the Oratory of Sant'Erasmo before leaving for Spain. The painter's full name is Pablo Ruiz y Picasso.