Last Name Savall

The surname Savall has roots in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain. It is derived from various place names in that area, such as Savalls and Savallà, which are found in the provinces of Girona and Tarragona. The name likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a place named Savall or as an occupational name for a servant (servidor) from Savall. Over time, it has been adopted by people from different regions and backgrounds.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Savall

The meaning and origin of the last name Savall

The surname Savall is of Occitan origin, dating back to medieval France and Spain. It is derived from a place name or a geographical feature, specifically "Savall" which can be found in several regions including the south of France and Catalonia, Spain. In Old Occitan, "savall" means "sallow," referring to a type of willow tree or marshy area. As a surname, Savall could have originally been used as a topographic name for someone who lived near a sallow tree or marsh, or it might have been an occupational name for someone who worked with willow trees, such as a basket maker or fence builder. The name is found in both France and Catalonia today, indicating the movement of people across borders during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Savall

The surname Savall is predominantly found in Spain and Catalonia, particularly in its northern regions. According to genealogical databases, it is most concentrated in provinces such as Girona, Barcelona, Lleida, and Tarragona. Outside of Spain, the name appears to have migrated with Spanish immigrants, particularly to South America, with significant populations found in Argentina, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Additionally, small clusters can be found in other parts of Europe, such as France and Italy, due to historical migrations and cultural ties between these countries and Catalonia. In the United States, Savall is predominantly found in areas with a high concentration of Spanish immigrants, particularly in Florida, California, Texas, and New York.

Variants and spellings of the last name Savall

The last name Savall has several variations and spellings in English, primarily due to differences in transcription over time and across regions. Some of these include Savell, Savoll, Savol, Saveall, Saville, Savill, and Savolla. These variations may stem from slight changes in pronunciation or spelling conventions throughout history, as well as geographical influences. For example, the "l" in Savall can sometimes be replaced with an "i" as seen in Saville, while Savolla is a Finnish variant of the name. It's essential to note that while these variations may exist, they all share a common origin and can generally be considered similar or related forms of the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Savall

Notable individuals bearing the surname Savall include:

1. Jordi Savall (b. 1941), a Catalan musician and conductor, recognized as one of the world's leading interpreters of medieval music. He founded Hespèrion XXI, a renowned early music ensemble.

2. Montserrat Figueras (1942-2011), a Spanish soprano and a founder member of Hespèrion XXI. Her collaboration with Jordi Savall was celebrated for its fusion of traditional and contemporary music.

3. Ferran Savall i Barnés (b. 1981), a Spanish conductor, harpsichordist, and musicologist, who is also a member of Hespèrion XXI and the Savall-Llotja family's fourth generation of musicians.

These figures have significantly contributed to the world of early music and have received numerous awards for their exceptional work.

Genealogical research on the last name Savall

The surname Savall is believed to have originated from Catalonia, Spain, specifically in the province of Girona. Its earliest known origins date back to the late Middle Ages. One notable branch of the family hails from the village of Peratallada, where they held significant influence during the 16th and 17th centuries. Notable members include Joan Savall i Togores (1530-1598), who served as the governor of Menorca, and his grandson Francesc Savall i Roca (1564-1629), who was a prominent jurist and poet. The family's influence extended to other parts of Catalonia and even to Majorca. In recent times, notable Savalls have made contributions in various fields such as art, literature, and politics, further expanding the global reach of this esteemed lineage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Savall"
• 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 : 28 July 2025

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