Show ContentsSelvage History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Selvage family

The surname Selvage was first found in "Normandy and England, which implied, perhaps, a roughness of manners." [1] John Sauuage, was a witness in 1222, James Seavage was married in Edinburgh in 1629, and John Savadge appears in the toun of Sanquhar in 1641. [2]

Selvach (died 729), was king of Scottish Dalriada and was probably a younger son of Fearchair Fada (the Long.) [3]

Early History of the Selvage family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Selvage research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1177 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Selvage History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Selvage Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Savage, Sauvage, Savidge, Savadge and others.

Early Notables of the Selvage family

More information is included under the topic Early Selvage Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Selvage Ranking

In the United States, the name Selvage is the 17,148th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. [4]

Ireland Migration of the Selvage family to Ireland

Some of the Selvage family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Selvage migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Selvage Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Eliza Selvage, aged 50, who immigrated to the United States, in 1896
  • Henry C. Selvage, aged 54, who settled in America, in 1896
Selvage Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Charles Selvage, aged 25, who immigrated to America, in 1909
  • Chas. Selvage, aged 56, who landed in America, in 1910
  • Eva Elizabeth Selvage, aged 52, who landed in America, in 1910
  • Catharina Selvage, who landed in America, in 1922


The Selvage 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.


  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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