Russell is a male given name of Welsh origin, derived from the word "rhos" meaning moor or heath, and "y" meaning "of". Therefore, Russell translates to "little red one", referring to someone with red hair who lives on a moor.
The name Russell has been in use since the Middle Ages and was first recorded in England during this period. It was traditionally given as a surname before being adopted as a given name in the 19th century.
Some notable individuals with the name Russell include actors Kurt Russell and Sean Russell, musician Tom Russell, and former U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's wife, Eleanor Roosevelt (née Anna Eleanor Roosevelt).
In literature, the name Russell is also present, notably in characters such as Detective Inspector Russell from P.D. James' Adam Dalgliesh series, and Dr. Russell from Stephen King's "The Green Mile".
Overall, Russell is a strong and distinctive name with a long history and various notable bearers throughout different fields.
The name Russell has been popular in the United States since the late 19th century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1880. Between 1880 and 1927, there was a gradual increase in the number of babies named Russell each year, reaching a peak of 349 births in 1923.
However, after 1927, the popularity of the name began to decline. The number of babies named Russell dropped significantly in the following decades, with only 56 births recorded in 1992 and a further decline to just 14 births in 2023.
Throughout its history, the name Russell has shown fluctuations in popularity. While it was once quite popular, it has since become much less common. Despite this decline, there were still 16,560 babies named Russell between 1880 and 2023, indicating that the name remains a timeless choice for many parents.
In conclusion, while the name Russell has had its ups and downs in popularity over the years, it continues to be chosen by families across the United States. Its enduring appeal lies in its classic and strong-sounding nature.