E. Rossoni, F. De Laurentiis and G. P. Holmes agree that the surname is related to the Sicilian word saitta ("arrow, lightning bolt, flash of lightning").

Rossoni identifies it as typically Sicilian. He derives it from a nickname originated in the speed of the founding ancestor of the line, comparable to the saitta. He considers a connection with the trade of arrow maker difficult.

De Laurentiis, on the other hand, suggests that it has as its base an original nickname formed from saetta ("arrow, dart" or "lightning bolt"), given in relation to the trade of arrow maker, of archer or crossbowman, or else with the exceptional speed and swiftness of the person so named. He notes that it is very frequent in Sicily.

Holmes agrees with the meaning of "lightning bolt," but also adds that of "peak." He further proposes as an alternative hypothesis a derivation from the Arabic sayyd ("lord"). He notes that it is the third most frequent surname in Bronte.