Savage History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Early Origins of the Savage family

The surname Savage was first found in Cheshire at Barrow, a parish, in the union of Great Boughton, Second division of the hundred of Eddisbury. "[Barrow] consists of Great and Little Barrow. It was given by Ranulph, Earl of Chester, to his nephew William de Albini, Earl of Arundel. The two manors were at a later period possessed by the Despencers, and, after their attainder, were granted by Edward III. to Sir Roger de Swinerton, an heiress of whose family brought them, in marriage, to Sir John Savage, who was knighted by Henry V. at the battle of Agincourt." 1

"Savage is an ancient Gloucestershire name, which was represented as Savage or Sauvage in this county as well as in Wilts, in the reign of Edward I. In that reign it was also numerous in one form or the other in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, where it is still established." 2

"This surname is derived from a nickname. 'the savage.'" 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 list: Walter Salvage in Oxfordshire: and Robert le Savage in Suffolk. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Beatrix Sawage; and Robertus Sawfage. 3

Early History of the Savage family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Savage research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1176, 1177, 1358, 1382, 1385, 1386, 1390, 1391, 1393, 1396, 1400, 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1406, 1410, 1463, 1507, 1519, 1603, 1608, 1628, 1635, 1654, 1682, 1694, 1760, 1843 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Savage History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Savage Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Savage, Sauvage, Savidge, Savadge and others.

Early Notables of the Savage family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Sir Arnold Savage of Bobbing, Kent (1358-1410), the English Speaker of the House of Commons (1400-1402) and (1403-1404), a Knight of the Shire of Kent who was referred to as "the great comprehensive s...
Thomas Savage (1463-1507), King's Chaplain and an Archbishop of York
Thomas Savage, 1st Viscount Savage
John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers (c.1603-1654), English peer from Cheshire
Thomas Savage, 3rd Earl Rivers (c.1628-1694), an English peer

Savage World Ranking

In the United States, the name Savage is the 582^nd most popular surname with an estimated 49,740 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Savage is ranked the 769^th most popular surname with an estimated 6,961 people with that name. 5 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Savage is the 983^rd popular surname. 6 Australia ranks Savage as 461^st with 8,251 people. 7 New Zealand ranks Savage as 338^th with 1,875 people. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Savage as 329^th with 18,575 people. 9

Migration of the Savage family to Ireland

Some of the Savage family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 162 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Savage migration to the United States +

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Savage or a variant listed above:

Savage Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Anthony Savage, who arrived in Virginia in 1607 10
Richard Savage, who arrived in Jamestown, Va in 1607 10
Thomas Savage, who arrived in Jamestown, Va in 1607 aboard the ship "John & Francis" 10
Thomas Savage, aged 13, who landed in Jamestown, VA in 1608 aboard the ship "John & Francis" 10
Ann Savage, who arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the ship "Seaflower" 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Savage Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Eliza Savage, who landed in Virginia in 1701 10
Richard Savage, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 10
Eliz Savage, who landed in Virginia in 1704 10
David Savage, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 10
John Savage, who landed in New England in 1716 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Savage Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James R Savage, who landed in America in 1801 10
Patrick D Savage, aged 25, who arrived in Maryland in 1812 10
Crosfield Savage, aged 22, who landed in New York in 1812 10
Patrick Savage, who arrived in Louisiana in 1824 10
Anthony Savage, who landed in New York in 1827 10
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Savage migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Savage Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Job Savage, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Matthew Savage, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
John Savage, aged 40, who arrived in Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia in 1774
John Savage with his wife and children settled in Fort Cumberland Nova Scotia in 1774
Mr. Abraham Savage U.E. who arrived at Port Roseway, [Shelbourne], Nova Scotia on December 13, 1783 was passenger number 348 aboard the ship "HMS Clinton", picked up on November 14, 1783 at East River, New York, USA 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Savage Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mary Savage, aged 21, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "William" from Cork, Ireland
George Savage, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the brig "Ugoni" from Belfast, Ireland
Jeremiah Savage, aged 22, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834 aboard the brig "Levant Star" from Cork, Ireland
Jane Savage, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Leslie Gault" in 1834
James Savage a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Leslie Gault" in 1834
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Savage migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Savage Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William Savage, (b. 1795), aged 24, English convict who was convicted in Leicester, Leicestershire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Eliza" on 22nd September 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
Jonathan Savage, English convict from Cumberland, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on September 3rd, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia 13
Patrick Savage Mr. settled in New South Wales, Australia in 1823 14
Mr. Thomas Savage, British Convict who was convicted in Southampton, Hampshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl St Vincent" on 20th April 1826, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 14
Miss Bridget Savage, (b. 1806), aged 20, Irish laundress who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for shop lifting, transported aboard the "Brothers" on 3rd October 1826, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Savage migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Savage Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

John Savage, aged 28, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Seringapatam" in 1856
Julia Savage, aged 26, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Seringapatam" in 1856
Mr. Savage, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Lord Ashley" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 14th October 1858 16
Child Savage, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Lord Ashley" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 14th October 1858 16
Mr. John Savage, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Nourmahal" arriving in Dunedin, Otaga, South Island, New Zealand on 5th May 1858 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Savage migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 17

Savage Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Edward Savage, (b. 1614), aged 20, British settler travelling from London, UK arriving in St Christopher (St. Kitts) on 5th January 1634 10
Mr. Robert Savage, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Peter Bonaventure" arriving in Barbados and St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 18
Robert Savage, aged 21, who landed in Barbados in 1635 10
Thomas Savage, aged 24, who landed in Barbados in 1684 10

Contemporary Notables of the name Savage (post 1700) +

Theodore "Ted" Savage Jr. (1936-2023), born Ephesian Savage, an American Major League Baseball outfielder who played from 1962 to 1971
Augustus Alexander "Gus" Savage (1925-2015), American politician, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois (1981-1993)
Henry Wilson Savage (1859-1927), American theatrical manager
John Savage (b. 1949), born John Youngs, an American Genie Award nominated actor, best known for his roles in The Deer Hunter (1978), Hair (1979) and The Godfather: Part III (1990)
Arthur William Savage (1857-1938), American businessman, inventor and explorer, founder of Savage Arms in 1894, best known for producing the Savage Model 99
Adam Whitney Savage (b. 1967), American two-time Primetime Emmy Award nominated industrial design and special effects designer/fabricator
Fredrick Aaron "Fred" Savage (b. 1976), American two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominated, four-time Young Artist Award winning actor, director and producer of television and film, best known for his role as Kevin Arnold in the American television series The Wonder Years
Leonard Jimmie Savage (1917-1971), American mathematician and statistician
Andrea Savage (b. 1973), American actress
Eugene Francis Savage (1883-1978), American sculptor best known for the Bailey Fountain in Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, New York
... (Another 84 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Savage family +

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Leonard Roydon Savage (1921-1941), Australian Stoker from East Malvern, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 19

HMS Hood

Mr. Edwin J Savage (b. 1898), English Chief Engine Room Artificer serving for the Royal Navy from Epsom, Surrey, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 20

HMS Royal Oak

William John Bellas Savage (d. 1939), British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 21
Clarence Henry Savage (d. 1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 21

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Frank Savage, English Fireman from Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 22

RMS Titanic

Mr. Charles J. Savage, aged 23, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 11 23

USS Arizona

Mr. Walter Samuel Savage Jr., American Ensign from Louisiana, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 24

The Savage Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: A te pro te
Motto Translation: From thee, for thee.

Sources +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th February 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/eliza
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1820 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1820
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-st-vincent
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/brothers
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's. Retrieved 23rd September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html