Russell
Little red one — a boy name of French origin
Popularity of Russell in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Russell
Russell comes from the Old French nickname "Rousel" or "Roussel," a diminutive of "rous," meaning "red-haired" or "red-complexioned." Brought to England by the Normans, it became an aristocratic surname carried by the Dukes of Bedford. Russell transitioned to popular first-name use in the 19th and 20th centuries and has remained a steady, dependable choice ever since. Its warm meaning and easy familiarity have kept it in consistent use across the English-speaking world.
Russell Around the World
Russell is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Russell
Famous People Named Russell
- Russell Crowe — New Zealand-Australian actor
- Russell Brand — English comedian and actor
- Russell Wilson — American football quarterback
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Sibling Name Ideas for Russell
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Russell mean?
Russell is a boy name of French origin meaning "Little red one." Russell comes from the Old French nickname "Rousel" or "Roussel," a diminutive of "rous," meaning "red-haired" or "red-complexioned." Brought to England by the Normans, it became an aristocratic surname carried by the Dukes of Bedford.
How do you pronounce Russell?
Russell is pronounced RUSS-ul. Common variations include Russel, Rustin, Russ.
Is Russell a boy name?
Yes, Russell is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Russ, Rusty.
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