The surname Zero is interpreted, according to the main scholars, from different possible origins linked mainly to nicknames. E. Rossoni proposes that it could derive from a nickname based on the term of Greek origin xerós ('dry, lean, thin'), used to describe a physical characteristic of the person, which would have given rise to the formation of the surname from that distinctive trait.

For his part, F. De Laurentiis puts forward a different interpretation, indicating that the surname may originate in nicknames of a derogatory character derived from the number zero, applied to persons considered "without qualities worthy of consideration". This type of nickname, although today it may seem striking, was relatively frequent in the formation of medieval surnames. In addition, the author notes that in some cases, especially in the Venetan area, the surname could have a toponymic origin, linked to localities such as Zero Branco (in the province of Treviso).