E. Rossoni proposes two hypotheses of origin. On the one hand, it could be a reduced form of medieval names such as Bonavolta or Malavolta, with the loss of the initial syllable. On the other, it could derive from one of the numerous place names containing the root Volta, such as Volta Bresciana, Volta Mantovana or Volta di Saltino, in the Modena area. Rossoni documents it in Piedmont, Liguria, Lombardy and Emilia, with a greater concentration in the Bologna area.

R. Brondolo proposes instead a geographical-descriptive origin: the surname would derive from the physical position occupied by the family, either next to a bend or curve of a street or river, or else in relation to a vaulted room where goods were stored. Brondolo places it in northern Italy.