The surname is attested only later, in John the Deacon's chronicle, who attributed it only to Orso II Participazio (911-932). Its attribution to the whole household and to the prior Participazio doges (Agnello Giustiniano (827–829), Giovanni I (829–836), Orso I (864–881) and Giovanni II (881–887) was established by 19th century scholars.
The surname's origins are only traced back to John the Deacon, who linked it solely to Orso II Participazio (911-932). Later historians, in the 19th century, confirmed its use for the entire family and previous Participazio rulers (Agnello Giustiniano (827–829), Giovanni I (829–836), Orso I (864–881) and Giovanni II (881–887)).