E. Rossoni considers this a surname typical of Calabria, of non-archaic Greek origin, derived from the Greek surname Stavropoulos. Its presence is concentrated in the Vibo Valentia area, especially in the localities of Drapia, Mileto, Briatico and Rombiolo, with additional nuclei in the Palermo area, particularly in Marineo and in the city itself.

P. Durante provides a complementary etymological perspective, noting that the surname has a Greek origin and derives from stavròs, a term meaning "cross".