Russell is a name of English origin, derived from the Old French word "Roussel," which was in turn derived from the Germanic elements "Hrod" and "wulf." The meaning of Russell is "little red one," referring to a person with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
The name Russell has been popular throughout history. In medieval England, it was often used as a nickname for people who had red hair or were energetic and lively. Over time, Russell evolved from a nickname to a given name, becoming more widespread in the 19th century.
Some notable individuals with the name Russell include actors like Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn's daughter Kate Hudson (whose birth name isKate Garry Hudson), and musicians such as Grateful Dead frontman Jerry Garcia and rock guitarist Joe Perry of Aerosmith. These famous figures have contributed to the enduring popularity of the name Russell.
Today, Russell remains a popular choice for parents looking for a strong, classic name with a touch of uniqueness. It's often shortened to Russ or Rusty, offering nicknames that are just as appealing. Overall, Russell is a timeless name with a rich history and an attractive meaning that continues to captivate people around the world.
The given statistics provide an interesting insight into the popularity of the name Russell in the United States over a period of nearly 140 years, from 1880 to 2023.
In the late 19th century, the name Russell was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 100 births per year. However, it began to gain traction in the early 20th century, with a significant increase in popularity between 1912 and 1917. During these years, the number of annual births with the name Russell more than tripled, from 1449 in 1912 to a peak of 3833 in 1918.
The popularity of the name Russell continued to grow throughout the 1920s and 1930s, with over 3000 births per year during this period. However, it began to decline in the following decades, dropping below 3000 births per year in 1946 and remaining relatively stable until the late 1950s.
In the mid-20th century, the popularity of the name Russell reached another peak, with over 7000 births per year between 1955 and 1963. This period saw a significant increase in the overall number of births in the United States, which may have contributed to the higher popularity of the name Russell during this time.
However, the popularity of the name Russell has since declined significantly. In recent years, the number of annual births with the name Russell has ranged from a low of 646 in 2009 to a high of 918 in 2021. Despite this decline, the name Russell remains relatively popular today, with over 800 births per year in recent years.
Overall, these statistics illustrate how the popularity of the name Russell has varied significantly over time in the United States. While it was once a relatively uncommon name, it gained significant popularity during the early to mid-20th century before declining again in recent decades. However, even today, the name Russell remains popular among parents in the United States.