Salvaggi is an Italian surname, the Italian form of the English Savage. The name originates as a nickname meaning "wild, uncouth", derived from the Old French words salvage or sauvage, meaning "untamed", ultimately from Latin silvaticus meaning "wild, from the woods".
In Italy, the surname Salvaggi and its variant Selvaggio retain the original meaning and are found predominantly in central and southern regions. Cognate forms such as Selvatici and Salvatici derive from the same root, highlighting the spread of the name across the Italian peninsula. The French Sauvage, English Savage, and other variations like Savidge or Savege reflect the name's adaptation to different languages and cultures.
- Meaning: Wild, untamed
- Origin: Old French, derived from Latin silvaticus
- Type: Surname, originally a nickname
- Usage regions: Italy, also found in English-speaking countries and France
Sources: Forebears — salvaggi