The authors agree that the surname derives from Schiano, an aphaeretic form of the local demonym Ischiano —whose official form is Ischitano—, with the meaning of "inhabitant or native of the island of Ischia."

E. De Felice notes that the surname is of Neapolitan origin and links it especially with the island of Procida. E. Rossoni specifies that the surname presents two zones of presence: one on the island of Elba, in Tuscany, and another in the Naples area, in Campania. Rossoni further documents that the transformation into a surname is recorded in the Avellino area in the 15th century and in Caltagirone in 1632.

Rossoni also records related variants: Schisano, specific to the Naples area; Schisani, very rare and also associated with that zone; and Sclano, very rare, proper to the island of Elba. They all likewise derive from apocopated forms of the same demonym referring to natives of Ischia.