Origin of the surname Savage

This interesting name is an example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. The nicknames were given in the first instance with reference to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, or to habits of dress or occupation. Savage is of early medieval English origin, and derives from the Middle English and Old French "salvage, sauvage", wild, uncontrolled. The surname has the distinction of being first recorded in the Domesday Book (see below).

Further early examples include: Robert le Sauuage (Surrey, 1198) and Ralph le Savage (Suffolk, 1268). The surname is particularly well recorded in the Province of Ulster, and the great Co. Down family of Savage - Savage of the Ards - was planted there by John de Courcey, a Norman invader, as early as 1177. The "Annals of the Four Masters" mention that the name was Gaelicized as "Mac an tSabhasaigh", and accept that the English settlers there became hibernicized. Thomas Savage, "a tayler", aged 27 yrs., who embarked from London on the ship "Planter" bound for New England in April 1635, was among the first of the name to enter America. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Edric Saluvage, which was dated 1086, in the "Domesday Book for Herefordshire", during the reign of King William 1st, known as "William the Conqueror", 1066 - 1087. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

The surname Savage. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Research into the possible origins of savage leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname savage is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of savage.

The surname Savage around the world

There is a considerable probability that savage has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where savage is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname savage provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Savage

The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named savage are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname savage, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of savage developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname savage.

It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of savage could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about savage and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Savage

We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname savage, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname savage were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname savage, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname savage who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Savage and its bibliographic sources

The bibliography collects information related to the surname savage, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of savage are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of savage.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of savage, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Savage