G. Rohlfs considers it a surname of Greek-Byzantine origin, present in the province of Catanzaro —in localities such as Montepaone and Vibo— and in the province of Reggio Calabria, in particular in Stignano; he also notes a Neapolitan presence. He derives it from the Greek Plasteràs, with the meaning of "one who makes kneading boards," and refers to the entry Plastaràs as a related form.

P. Durante, on the other hand, treats it as a surname of Greek origin but interprets it as a variant of Prete, without developing any further etymological or geographic explanation.

Both authors agree on the Greek origin of the surname, although they differ in their interpretation: Rohlfs links it to a trade related to the making of bread or dough, while Durante approximates it to a form derived from Prete.