The authors agree that this surname derives from the medieval name Sapienza, an abstract noun with moral and Christian value that designates "wisdom" or "prudence." Both note that it has a predominant footing in Sicily, with a high concentration in the Catania area.

E. Rossoni specifies that the surname is also characteristic of other regions of southern Italy: presences are recorded in the Potenza area, in Apulia and in Campania. He adds that the name Sapienza shares a religious value with its Greek equivalent Sofia, and that in the Christian sphere it designates the capacity to discern good from evil in the light of God, being considered one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and one of the four cardinal virtues.

E. De Felice highlights that the name functioned originally as a nickname of auspicious character before transforming into a surname, and stresses especially its very high frequency in the Catania area.