[2] She was born in via Dell'Ascensione in Chiaia, Naples, the oldest of three children born from the extramarital relationship between Luisa De Filippo and Eduardo Scarpetta, a well-respected playwright in Naples.

Her father was actually married since 1876 to Rosa De Filippo, Luisa's paternal aunt.

[3] Titina and her two brothers became known as "Children of the buttons" since their mother was a seamstress to his company: apart from Titina, they include actor Peppino De Filippo and playwright and director Eduardo De Filippo.

Her brother Peppino was married to Adelina (or Adele) Carloni, another of her husband's siblings.

Titina De Filippo studied music and learned French as a child.