The surname Piccini is of nickname origin and derives from bynames formed from piccino ('small') and its regional variants. On this point E. De Felice and F. De Laurentiis agree, noting that these nicknames were applied to people of short stature or slight build, or else as affectionate forms already widespread in the Middle Ages.

Both authors further highlight the wide variety of diminutives and derived forms (Piccino, Piccin, Pizzino, Picciolo, among others), which reflects its strong presence in popular tradition. In this way, the surname arises as a descriptive or affectionate designation, later fixed as a hereditary surname.