Meaning, origin, history
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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Russel since 1880
Total births
16,560
Total since 1880
Peak year
1920
389 births
in 2023
14
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+30%
↗
vs previous 5 years