The Savage Family History

What Does the Savage Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Savage has its roots in Scotland and England, deriving from the Old French words ‘sauvage’ and ‘salvage,’ which translate to untamed, wild, or uncontrollable. Initially, the name was recorded as ‘Le Sauvage.’ Variants of the surname include Savadge, Sauvage, and Savidge. In England, the Savage lineage is believed to have originated in Cheshire, subsequently dispersing to regions such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and several counties along the central and eastern coastline. The city of London is also home to a significant number of individuals bearing the Savage surname. In Scotland, the prevalence of Savage families is notably higher in the counties of Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, and Ayrshire. In the United States, the Savage surname is predominantly found in states including Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Illinois, Virginia, California, Washington, Michigan, and North Carolina. Prominent individuals associated with this surname include Matthew Savage, an English musician and actor; Eugene F. Savage, a sculptor known for the NY Bailey Fountain; Ben Savage, a well-known actor in film and television; Ann Savage, an actress recognized for her work in movies and television; Bas Savage, a professional footballer from England; Dutch Savage, a professional wrestler; Fred Savage, an actor and director; Swede Savage, a race car driver; Jim Savage, a pioneering figure in 19th-century California; Richard Savage, an English poet from the 18th century; and Matt Savage, a champion poker player.