This interesting name is an example of that sizeable group of early European surnames that were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. The nicknames were given in the first instance with reference to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, or to habits of dress or occupation. Savage is of early medieval English origin, and derives from the Middle English and Old French "salvage, sauvage", wild, uncontrolled. The surname has the distinction of being first recorded in the Domesday Book (see below). Further early examples include: Robert le Sauuage (Surrey, 1198) and Ralph le Savage (Suffolk, 1268). The surname is particularly well recorded in the Province of Ulster, and the great Co. Down family of Savage - Savage of the Ards - was planted there by John de Courcey, a Norman invader, as early as 1177. The "Annals of the Four Masters" mention that the name was Gaelicized as "Mac an tSabhasaigh", and accept that the English settlers there became hibernicized. Thomas Savage, "a tayler", aged 27 yrs., who embarked from London on the ship "Planter" bound for New England in April 1635, was among the first of the name to enter America. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Edric Saluvage, which was dated 1086, in the "Domesday Book for Herefordshire", during the reign of King William 1st, known as "William the Conqueror", 1066 - 1087. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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