Savala
A Spanish surname derived from the Basque word "zabal," meaning "wide" or "open," likely referring to a broad, open field.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 3,530 Americans carry the last name Savala. That puts it at #10,577 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 1.03 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 97,098 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Savala surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
3.5K
1 in 97,098
Census rank
#10,577
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
1.0
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
3.0K
rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 3,031 bearers of the surname Savala in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 1.03 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 10577th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Savala, the largest self-reported group is Hispanic at 78.4%. The next largest groups are White (14.1%) and Black (3.7%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Savala
The surname SAVALA is believed to have originated in southern Italy, specifically in the regions of Campania and Calabria, during the medieval period. It is thought to be derived from the Latin word "sabal," which means "sand" or "gravel," possibly indicating that the name's bearers were associated with sandy or gravelly areas.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name SAVALA can be found in a document from the 13th century, which mentions a landowner named Giacomo SAVALA in the town of Salerno, Campania. This suggests that the name had already established itself in the region by that time.
In the 14th century, there are records of a family called SAVALA residing in the town of Cosenza, Calabria. This branch of the family is believed to have played a significant role in the local economy, with some members being involved in the production and trade of silk.
The SAVALA name also appears in various historical documents from the 15th and 16th centuries, including records of land disputes and legal proceedings. One notable figure from this period is Antonio SAVALA, a merchant from Naples who was involved in the trade of spices and textiles with the Middle East and North Africa.
During the 17th century, the SAVALA family gained prominence in the city of Reggio Calabria, where several members held positions of influence within the local government and religious institutions. One such individual was Vincenzo SAVALA (1620-1692), who served as a magistrate and was known for his efforts in improving the city's infrastructure.
In the 18th century, the SAVALA name spread to other parts of Italy, with branches of the family establishing themselves in cities like Rome and Milan. One noteworthy figure from this period is Giacomo SAVALA (1745-1822), a renowned architect who contributed to the design of several churches and palaces in Rome.
Other notable individuals with the surname SAVALA include:
1. Giuseppe SAVALA (1825-1898), an Italian poet and writer from Naples.
2. Ettore SAVALA (1860-1931), an Italian sculptor and painter known for his works depicting scenes from Greek mythology.
3. Salvatore SAVALA (1882-1964), an Italian economist and professor who taught at the University of Rome.
4. Marisa SAVALA (1922-2008), an Italian opera singer who performed in major opera houses across Europe.
5. Antonio SAVALA (1947-2015), an Italian politician and lawyer who served as a member of the Italian parliament.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Savala
Among Census respondents with the surname Savala, the largest self-reported group is Hispanic at 78.4%. The next largest groups are White (14.1%) and Black (3.7%).
The bar chart below shows how Savala bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Savala surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- Hispanic or Latino78.4%
- White14.1%
- Black or African American3.7%
- American Indian and Alaska Native1.7%
- Asian and Pacific Islander1.2%
- Two or more races0.9%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Savala surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #10,577 | #10,577 | 0.0% |
| Count | 3,031 | 3,031 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 1.03 | 1.03 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Savala bearers went from 3,031 to 3,031 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #10,577 to #10,577.
FAQ
Savala surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Savala?
The surname Savala holds position #10,577 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 3,530 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 1.03 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Savala surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Savala, the largest self-reported group is Hispanic at 78.4%. The next largest groups are White (14.1%) and Black (3.7%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.