NomOrigine Background

Last Name Savage

What is the origin of the last name Savage?

The last name "Savage" has origins in both England and Scotland. It is derived from the Middle English word "sauvage" or "savage," which means "wild" or "untamed." The surname could have been used as a nickname for someone who had wild or uncivilized characteristics, or it could have been given to someone living in a wilderness or uncultivated area. The name "Savage" was also sometimes used to describe someone who was aggressive or fierce. Over time, individuals with the surname could have emigrated to different parts of the world and spread the name further.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Savage

The meaning and origin of the last name Savage

The surname Savage has its origins rooted in medieval times, deriving from the Middle English word "sauvage," which translates to "wild" or "fierce." As an occupational name, it was originally bestowed upon individuals who exhibited wild or untamed characteristics, often hunters or woodsmen skilled in surviving the harshness of nature. The surname later spread throughout England and Ireland, and variations such as Sauvage, Salvage, and Sawage emerged as well. Over time, the meaning of the name expanded beyond its literal nature, and it became associated with people perceived as uncivilized or untamed, reinforcing the ancestral connection to the wild. Today, the surname Savage can be found worldwide, and its bearers maintain a diverse range of professions and backgrounds, but the name consistently invokes a sense of strength, resilience, and perhaps a touch of untamed spirit.

Geographical distribution of the last name Savage

The last name Savage has a relatively widespread geographical distribution. It is found in various parts of the world, although it has its origins in England. In England, the surname is most commonly found in the southern regions, particularly in Cornwall, Devon, and Kent. Additionally, it is also prevalent in Scotland, particularly in areas such as Lanarkshire and Midlothian. Outside of the British Isles, the surname Savage can be found in significant numbers in the United States, particularly in the states of Texas, California, and New York. Other countries with a notable presence of the name include Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, where descendants of English and Scottish immigrants have settled over the years. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Savage indicates a strong connection to its British origins, while also reflecting migration patterns to various English-speaking countries around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Savage

The last name Savage has a few variations and alternate spellings. One common spelling variation is "Savidge," which is essentially the same name pronounced slightly differently. Another variation is "Savitch," which may have originated from Eastern European countries. Additionally, the name can sometimes be spelled "Savaje," which is a less common alternative. Another variation is "Savine," which may have French origins. Some individuals may also choose to hyphenate or combine the name with other surnames, such as "Savage-Hunt" or "Savage-Smith." These variations and spellings of the last name Savage can be attributed to factors such as regional dialects, cultural influences, or personal preferences.

Famous people with the last name Savage

Here are some famous individuals with the last name "Savage": 1. Fred Savage: A renowned American actor and director, Fred Savage gained popularity for his role as Kevin Arnold in the television series "The Wonder Years" during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He directed various episodes of television shows like "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and "Modern Family." 2. Adam Savage: Recognized as the co-host of the popular television series "MythBusters," Adam Savage is an American special effects artist and television personality. His work on the show involved testing the validity of various myths and urban legends through scientific experiments. 3. Michael Savage: Known by his stage name Michael Savage, Michael Alan Weiner is a conservative American radio host and political commentator. He hosts "The Savage Nation," a nationally syndicated talk radio show where he discusses politics, culture, and societal issues. 4. Randy Savage: Also known as Macho Man Randy Savage, Randy Poffo was a professional wrestler and actor. He rose to prominence in the 1980s and was widely recognized for his flamboyant persona, intense wrestling style, and memorable catchphrases. Overall, these famous individuals with the last name Savage have made significant contributions to various fields, such as acting, television, radio, wrestling, and more.

Genealogical research on the last name Savage

The last name Savage is an ancient and illustrious surname with a rich genealogical history. The research on the Savage family reveals a fascinating lineage spanning centuries. The name is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old French word "sauvage," meaning wild or untamed. The Savage family can be traced back to medieval England, where they were considered a prominent and influential noble family. They held lands and titles, played pivotal roles in society, and participated in significant historical events. The genealogical records show that branches of the Savage family migrated to Ireland, where they settled and became prominent Irish nobility. Over time, the Savage surname dispersed throughout the British Isles and beyond, establishing heritage in America, Australia, and other parts of the world. The study of the Savage family history is a captivating journey through time and a testament to the resilience and legacy of this distinguished surname.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Savadogo (Last name)

surnames > savadogo

The last name "Savadogo" is of African origin, specifically from the Mossi people of Burkina Faso. It is a common surname among the Mossi people and is often used as a family name ...

Savaglio (Last name)

surnames > savaglio

The surname Savaglio is of Italian origin. It is derived from the word "selvaggio," meaning wild or savage in Italian. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who was ...

Savala (Last name)

surnames > savala

The surname Savala is of Croatian origin, derived from the personal name Savan, which means "falcon".

Savanapally (Last name)

surnames > savanapally

The last name "Savanapally" is of Indian origin. It is believed to be a combination of two words, with "Savana" possibly referring to a place or region, and "Pally" meaning village...

Savanapelli (Last name)

surnames > savanapelli

The last name Savanapelli is of Indian origin.

Savani (Last name)

surnames > savani

The last name "Savani" is of Italian origin. It is derived from the given name "Savino," which is a variant of the name "Sabino." This surname likely originated from the Latin pers...

Savaniya (Last name)

surnames > savaniya

The last name Savaniya is of Indian origin. It is derived from the Gujarati word "savani," which means a variety of small pegs used in agriculture.

Savanyuk (Last name)

surnames > savanyuk

The last name Savanyuk is of Ukrainian origin. It is derived from the personal name Savva, which is a variant of the name Sava, meaning "Sabine" or "from the Sabine tribe." The suf...

Savanz (Last name)

surnames > savanz

The last name Savanz is of German origin. It is derived from the personal name Savino, which is a variant of the Latin name Sabinus.

Savarapu (Last name)

surnames > savarapu

The last name Savarapu is of Indian origin, specifically from the Telugu-speaking region of South India. It is a combination of the words "sa" meaning horse or noble, and "varapu" ...

Savardekar (Last name)

surnames > savardekar

The last name "Savardekar" is of Indian origin and typically belongs to the Marathi community in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is derived from the word "savard", which means ...

Savardhi (Last name)

surnames > savardhi

The last name Savardhi is of Albanian origin.

Savarimuthu (Last name)

surnames > savarimuthu

The last name Savarimuthu is of Tamil origin and is commonly found among the Tamil-speaking people in southern India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a combination o...

Savarirajan (Last name)

surnames > savarirajan

The last name "Savarirajan" originates from the Tamil language of southern India. It is a combination of the Tamil words "savar" meaning "equator" or "middle" and "rajan" meaning "...

Savaris (Last name)

surnames > savaris

The surname Savaris is of Italian origin. It is derived from the personal name Savario, which is a variant of the name Saverio. Saverio itself is derived from the Late Latin name X...