Meaning & History
Derived from the Italian masculine given name Salvatore, which in turn was derived from the Italian noun salvatore meaning "saviour, rescuer". The word ultimately comes from Latin salvator meaning "saviour". The word came into use as a given name in honour of Jesus Christ, who was regarded as the saviour of all mankind and of the world. It eventually found use as a surname as well, in the form of a patronymic (i.e. via the given name).