The name Russell is a boy's name of French origin meaning "redhead, fox-colored". Russell is ranked #403 on our popularity charts and is often added to lists like Celebrity Surnames as Firsts and discussed in our forums with posts like "Generation CAF #14 (with occupations)".
From the experts:
One of many R- boys’ names that started as a nickname for a redhead, Russell had a measure of popularity from the early twentieth century through the 1950s. But it's now lost much of its color -- except for two particularly dynamic bearers, Russell Crowe and Russell Brand.
Russell has been much more common as a surname, whose many namesakes have included philosopher Bertrand, Gay Nineties entertainer Lillian, actresses Rosalind, Jane and Keri, actor Kurt, basketball star Bill and singer Leon.
Lists containing Russell:
- Jane Austen Baby Names
- Jane Austen Names for Boys
- Gorgeous Autumn Baby Names
- Boy Baby Names Moving Up Fast
- Redhead Baby Names
- Celebrity Surnames as Firsts
- Midcentury Baby Names
- Classic Celebrity Baby Names
- Delicious Thanksgiving Names
- Most Common Names for Boys
- Orange Cat Names
Russell in Blog Posts
Russell in the Forums
Comments
thorn144 Says:
Dawn Croone Says:
I named my oldest Russell. I hate the nick name "Rusty". He goes by Russ or Russell. Of course, he can choose if he likes Rusty.
RoddyThlayli Says:
Me too!
headintheclouds Says:
I think of the little boy from Up, or a Jack Russell terrier when I hear Russell :) In my opinion, it's one of those names that is heard more on the generation before today's, but still used often enough that it's presently more of a modern classic. It fits nicely into the sweet spot of being well-known, not an "out-there" name, but your kid won't have three others in his class.
ThistleThorn Says:
I love the nickname Rusty.
Haids1987 Says:
I live in a Seattle suburb and this name is becoming quite hot thanks to our star quarterback. Go Hawks!
lesliemarion Says:
I love this name, our son's third name. It sounds like the rustle of the wind and has a cute retro nickname, Rusty.
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Question for berries: there's already Russ as a nickname for Russell. Would it be too much of a stretch to do Reese as a nickname? Love the name Reese and Russell and wondering if there's a way to squeeze in both.