The baby name Russell suits a redhead, a philosopher, or a Hollywood A-lister. (Is it possible to be all three at once?)
Thanks to JNE for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES THE NAME RUSSELL MEAN?
The meaning of the name Russell is almost always connected to the color red.
The Old French roux meant redhead, and roussel meant, roughly, “little red.” So it became the perfect name for someone with red hair. Or possibly someone with a ruddy complexion.
Just like Brown, Russell started out as a descriptive surname.
Other possible explanations include:
- Place names derived from the Old English word rysc, meaning rushes.
- The Old English rust refers to a rusty color.
- The second element might mean “hall” or “well,” both common in English place names.
- There’s also a similar German name that means, roughly, famous or renowned.
But the popular imagination connects this boy’s name to the color red, and so that feels like the most obvious meaning to assign to Russell.
FROM SURNAME TO GIVEN NAME
Jack Russell terriers. The Russell Corporation, manufacturers of athletic wear. (Founded by Benjamin Russell.) Russell Stover candies. (Yes, he was a real person.) Thomas Russell founded Russell Motor Car Company in Toronto and eventually manufactured the first successful Canadian automobiles. 19th century stage actress Lillian Russell was world famous.
Nobel Prize-winning philosopher Bertrand Russell campaigned tirelessly for peace, first against Hitler and later, opposing America’s involvement in Vietnam.
Famous people with the surname from more recent years include actor Kurt, comic Nipsey (born Julius), and early Hollywood star Rosalind, to name just a few.
In the first spot, notable bearers are fewer, but include:
- Def Jam and Phat Farm founder Russell Simmons.
- Australian actor and Oscar winner Russell Crowe, as well as actor Russ Tamblyn, known for many Hollywood roles, like Riff, the leader of the Jets in West Side Story.
- Pioneering comic book artist Russ Manning.
- Comedian-turned-actor-turned conspiracy theorist Russell Brand remains a high profile figure.
- Athletes and politicians aplenty, from the nineteenth century right through today, including football’s Russell Wilson.
Pixar’s 2009 movie Up featured two main character Carl, an elderly man who had long deferred his wished-for adventures, and young Wilderness Explorer Russell, determined to help Carl as he earns his badges. Along with Russell’s dog Dug, they eventually set off to fulfill Carl’s life-long dream.
Then there’s Rusty, a cute nickname for child, and sometimes given as a formal name, too. NASCAR’s Rusty Wallace was born Russell. So was the fictional Rusty Griswold, son to Clark and Ellen in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME RUSSELL?
Through much of the twentieth century, the baby name Russell remained a staple. From the 1890s into the early 1960s, it ranked in the Top 100 boys’ names in the United States.
By the year 2000, Russell had fallen to #320. As of 2010, it stood at #405.
But this name’s fortunes have reversed in recent years. At #367 in 2024, the baby name Russell has increased modestly in use.
What explains it? Probably the name’s connection to the color red, just like Ruby and Scarlett, Rowan and Rory.
Plus, it’s a surname name at a moment when they’re more mainstream than ever.
QUIET COMEBACK
The baby name Russell has made a quiet comeback in recent years. But it’s too soon to call it a trending name.
Instead, Russell feels like a 20th century traditional. Familiar, easily spelled and pronounced, with many qualities that make it an appealing choice for 21st century parents, too.
If you’re after a fits-in/stands-out choice, Russell might belong on your list.
What do you think of the baby name Russell?
First published April 10, 2010, this post was revised on October 9, 2025.
I thought of another Russell: Cliff’s dad on The Cosby Show was Russell Huxtable, played by Earle Hyman.
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0405165/
In many ways I really, really like Russel. But I was born in the ’80s and for me the name still brings back scenes from Honey I Shrunk the kids that involved the next door neighbour yelling, “Russel!” at his son in a very, “I’m going to teach you how to be a man” tone of voice.
Great post! I have a cousin named Russell, who’s often gone by Russ in the past 40 years. I also once dated a Rusty, nn for Russell, but today he goes by his first name, James.
To me, Russell has aged better than other names that exploded in popularity in the 60s, such as Kevin, Dwayne, Todd, Brian and Scott.
Well we have a Russell at my house, but he’s a springer spaniel. While our dog is technically named after the baseball player Rusty Staub, I agreed to the name because I like the name Russell, but it doesn’t work with our last name.
It’s interesting to me that the film UP! had a character named Russell and Brad Pitt played cooler that cool Rusty Ryan in the Ocean’s Eleven (etc.) films. I would have thought Russell would catch on with the crowd that likes musty-cool names like Dorothy and Vincent.
My first thought was the kids book ‘Russell the Sheep’ By Rob Scotton. But I’ve not read the book, just heard of it.
I don’t think I’ve ever known a Russell – which is a plus for me, when it comes to names. Though I probably wouldn’t know how to spell it – with the double ss and the double ll.
Also makes me think of stuffed toys, so I looked that up and found it’s the company Russ Berrie with the tag line: “Russ: Make Someone Happy”.
I agree that it is fun to look at popular names that aren’t much used currently.
I know a Russell who is college aged. He has twin brother named Trevor. I don’t know if it is because this is who I think of when I hear the name, but it seems very “country” to me. This set of twins grew up on a farm and were in 4H and FFA (Future Farmers of America). That is where the association comes from, I think. If it weren’t for that, I might like it.
Thank you for covering Russell! I have a great uncle Russ. Previously, I would have skimmed over the name without paying attention, but lately I’ve been enjoying some of these ‘fallen, common’ names. I love exactly what Verity points out, everyone knows it, but few are using it. Russ is a cute nn. And I like its retro feel. I’m pretty sure I’m done naming babies, but I’ve added Russell to my mental ‘just in case’ list.
I have never been a huge fan. It is ok, just not that remarkable.
great name of the day choice! russell is my dad’s name (it was my grandmothers maiden name) and is a definite future middle name. i didn’t know that it meant red, which is amusing me as my dad is a redhead!