Last Name Sav

The surname Sav has multiple origins. In some cases, it is a variation of the Jewish surname Sieve or Zeev, which means "wolf" in Hebrew. It may also be derived from the Old French and Middle English nickname "Savage," meaning wild or fierce. Additionally, Sav can be a shortened form of various given names that contain the element "sava," such as the Slavic Ivan (John) or the Breton Yves. The specific origin of a particular instance of the surname Sav may depend on the individual's ancestry and location.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Sav

The meaning and origin of the last name Sav

The surname Sav originates from various sources across different countries. In Sweden and Finland, Sav is a topographic surname derived from the word "savikko," which means "stream" or "brook." It may have been used to identify individuals who lived near such waterways.

In Estonia, Sav can be traced back to the medieval Livonian Order, where it was a locational name from a place called Sava. Today, Sav is still common in Estonia and represents around 1% of the country's population.

In French, Sav may have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked as a savoir (savior or rescuer) or from the medieval French word "sav," meaning "knowledge" or "learning." In this context, it could have been used to identify individuals with scholarly or professional expertise.

Overall, the surname Sav has diverse origins and can be found in multiple countries across Europe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Sav

The surname Sav, often associated with French-speaking regions due to its origins in Old French "sav" meaning 'wise' or 'knowledgeable', has a widespread presence across various countries. In France, it is most common in the regions of Normandy and Brittany, reflecting its historical roots. However, the name also appears frequently in other parts of France, such as Alsace, Lorraine, and Savoie, possibly due to regional adoption or migration. Beyond France, Sav can be found in significant numbers among communities with French ancestry, including Quebec in Canada, and various locations in Belgium, Switzerland, and the Caribbean islands with historical ties to France. Additionally, the name has been dispersed through migrations, particularly to English-speaking countries such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the United States, often as a result of French immigration waves throughout history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Sav

The surname Sav has several variations and spelling forms across different regions and languages. Some common variants include Savv, Savve, Savva, Savvae, Savvi, Savvo, Savvio, Savvidi, Savvidis, Savvides, Savvakis, Savvas, Savvos, Savvaeus, Savvaeu, Savvayev, Savvajev, Savvaiev, and Savvajeves. These variations may arise due to differences in pronunciation, regional dialects, or translation from other languages. The name's origin is primarily from the Mediterranean region, where it is often associated with Greece, Italy, and Cyprus, among others. In Greek, the name can mean "rescuer" or "deliverer," while in Italian, it may be derived from the word "savio," meaning "wise."

Famous people with the last name Sav

Notable individuals with the surname Sav include:

1. Anselm Aadland Sav (1889-1963), a Norwegian-American art critic and museum director, who was one of the first art historians to specialize in American art. He served as the first Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City from 1941 to 1952.

2. David Sav (born 1967), a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for several National Hockey League teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins. He won the Stanley Cup with both teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

3. John Sav (1948-2017), an American character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows, including The Godfather Part III, Ragtime, and Homicide: Life on the Street. His career spanned five decades.

4. Pia Sav (born 1983), a Finnish singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer who gained popularity in her home country and later internationally with her soulful pop music style. She has released several albums and toured extensively since the early 2000s.

5. Sav Martin (born 1973), a French artist known for his work combining painting, sculpture, and digital technology. His large-scale installations have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide.

Genealogical research on the last name Sav

The surname Sav originates from several possible sources. In France, it is an occupational name for a weaver, derived from Old French "sav" meaning loom or web. In Scandinavia, Sav is a variant of Svensson, indicating someone of Swedish descent, as the name Sven translates to John in English and was a popular name among the Vikings. In Estonia, Sav can be a short form of names ending with -sav such as Johanneson or Peeterson. Lastly, in Russia, Sav is a habitational name from various places named Sav, including one in the Vladimir Oblast. The exact origin may vary depending on specific geographical locations and historical periods, but all these versions share a common thread of either occupation, descent, or place-name association.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "sav"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 26 July 2025

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