From Medieval Latin sclavus (“slave”), from Late Latin Sclavus (“Slav”). The surname Schiavo derives from nicknames derived from the social condition of slaves, prisoners of war and servants without rights. It can also refer to the Slavs, the peoples of the Eastern Adriatic. Other surnames derived: Schiavo, Schiavi, Schiava, Schiavone, Schiavon, Schiavina.

The authors agree that this surname derives from nicknames and appellatives that, from the High Middle Ages to the modern period, designated both individuals of unfree condition —prisoners of war, slaves and rightless serfs— and the Slavs of the eastern Adriatic. The form schiavone (in Venetan schiavón and sciàvo) alluded especially to the latter.

E. De Felice notes that the schiavoni in Venice constituted a special military corps of the Republic during the 17th and 18th centuries. He adds that, in some cases, the place names Schiavo —in the Reggio Calabria area—, Schiavi —the name until 1860 of Liberi, in the Caserta area—, Schiavi di Abruzzo —in the Chieti area—, Schiavone —also in the Reggio Calabria area—, Schiavón —in the Vicenza area— and Schiavói —in the Udine area— may also be at the base of this surname.

F. De Laurentiis further mentions the place name Schiava, in the Naples area, as a possible base of some variants of the surname.