Russell is a name of French origin that means “redhead, fox-colored”. It was originally a nickname for someone with red hair, and has been used as a given name since the early twentieth century. The name has a measure of popularity, particularly in the United States, where it was a top 100 name for boys from the 1920s through the 1950s.
The name Russell has a rich history and interesting etymology. It derives from the French name russel, which means “red-haired”, and the suffix -el. The name has been used as a surname as well as a given name, and has been borne by many notable people throughout history, including philosopher Bertrand Russell and actor Russell Crowe. If you’re considering the name Russell for your child, it’s worth exploring its meaning and history to help you make an informed decision.
Origin of the Name Russell
Russell is a name of French origin that means “redhead” or “fox-colored” [1]. It is one of many R-boys’ names that started as a nickname for a person with red hair or a ruddy complexion. The name Russell had a measure of popularity from the early twentieth century through the 1950s in the United States and England [1].
The name Russell also has roots in Old Norse and Normandy. The French name Russel (Old Norse rossel) means “red-haired, from rus (Old Norse ros) ‘red hair color’ and the suffix -el” [3]. The surname Russell originated from the given name “Rousel,” old French for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion [5]. Early genealogists traced the Russel/Russell family of Kingston Russel from Anglo-Norman landholders bearing the toponymic surname ‘de Rosel’ or ‘du Rozel’, deriving from Rosel, Calvados, Normandy [4].
The name Russell has been associated with many notable people throughout history. John Russell was a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice in the mid-19th century [1]. Rufus Russell was a Canadian historian who wrote about the history of London, Canada [1]. The Russell Duke of Bedford is a title in the Peerage of England that was created in 1694 for William Russell, the fifth son of William Russell, 1st Duke of Bedford [2].
Today, Russell remains a popular name in the United States, ranking as the 413th most popular name for boys in 2021 [1]. It is also the 93rd most popular surname in the United States and England, and the 47th most common surname in Scotland [5].
Famous People Named Russell
Russell is a popular name and has been used by many notable individuals across various fields. Here are some of the famous people named Russell:
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Russell Crowe: Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, Russell Crowe is a renowned actor and filmmaker. He has won numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actor, and is known for his roles in movies like Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, and Les Misérables.
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Russell Westbrook: Russell Westbrook is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a nine-time NBA All-Star, and has won the NBA Most Valuable Player Award, the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, and two Olympic gold medals.
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Russell Wilson: Russell Wilson is an American football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He has won a Super Bowl championship, been named to eight Pro Bowls, and is known for his leadership on and off the field.
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Russell Brand: Russell Brand is an English comedian, actor, and activist. He has appeared in movies like Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek, and is known for his outspoken views on politics and society.
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Russell T Davies: Russell T Davies is a Welsh television writer and producer. He is best known for his work on the revival of the science fiction series Doctor Who, as well as the shows Queer as Folk and Years and Years.
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Russell Simmons: Russell Simmons is an American entrepreneur, record executive, and author. He co-founded the record label Def Jam Recordings and is known for his work in promoting hip-hop culture.
These are just a few of the many famous people named Russell. From musicians to politicians to physicists, the name Russell has been associated with success and achievement in many different fields.
The Russell Surname
The Russell surname is of Norman origin, derived from the Old French and Anglo-Norman French “r(o)ussel,” which means “red” or “reddish.” It was used either as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion or as a personal name. The name has been historically subject to disagreement, with two distinct origins proposed.
In England, the Russell name was carried there in the enormous movement of people that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name is a diminutive patronymic and means “the son of Red,” from the Old French “Rous,” red, a nickname for someone with red hair, and “-el,” little.
The Russell surname is the 93rd most popular surname in the United States and England, and the 47th most common surname in Scotland. It is also a popular surname in Canada, and many other countries worldwide.
The name has been borne by many notable individuals throughout the ages, including John Russell, the 1st Earl of Bedford, who was a powerful ally of Queen Elizabeth I, and Charles Russell, a prominent lawyer and politician in London.
In the United States, the name has been associated with the Jack Russell Terrier, a small, feisty breed of dog that was named after Reverend John Russell, who was an avid breeder of the breed.
The Russell name has also been used in popular culture, with characters such as Aria and Gem from the animated series “Jem and the Holograms,” Joy from the movie “Inside Out,” and Charlie from the book “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” all bearing the name.
Overall, the Russell surname has a rich history and is associated with a variety of notable individuals and cultural references.
Personality Traits Associated with the Name Russell
The name Russell is often associated with a variety of personality traits that reflect the friendly and approachable nature of many people with this name. Here are some common characteristics associated with those who share this moniker:
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Energetic: Russells are often full of energy and enthusiasm, which can make them great leaders and motivators in both personal and professional settings.
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Intelligent: Many Russells possess a sharp mind and a quick wit, which can make them excellent problem-solvers and critical thinkers.
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Playful: Russells are known for their playful and adventurous spirit, which can make them great companions and friends.
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Unique: The name Russell is not as common as some other names, which can make those who bear it feel special and unique.
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Size: Russells are often associated with small dogs, which can reflect their playful and energetic nature.
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Popular: Despite not being as common as some other names, Russell has consistently been ranked among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States.
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Ember, Iris, Jack, Leo, Sam, Rusty: These are some popular variations of the name Russell that have been used over the years.
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Abbey, Bella, Duchess, Ella, Echo, Frankie, Hera, Holly, Honey, Ivy, Isabel: These are some female names that share similar traits with the name Russell.
Overall, those with the name Russell are often seen as friendly, approachable, and full of positive energy. Their intelligence and playful nature make them great companions and leaders, while their unique name sets them apart from the crowd.