Russell
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Red-haired or fox-colored
Origin: Old French/Norman
Popularity: Ranked #345 in 2025 with 944 babies born.
History: Russell is a Norman French surname derived from 'roux,' meaning red or red-haired, and was used as a nickname for someone with red hair. Introduced to England after the Norman Conquest, it became a prestigious aristocratic surname. In the United States it became a given name in the 19th century, partly in honor of the Russell family and later through philosopher Bertrand Russell.
Famous people named Russell: Russell Crowe (actor)
Name length: 7 letters
How common is Russell? About 1 in 3,526 babies born in 2025 were named Russell, or roughly 2.6 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Russell
What does the name Russell mean?
Russell means “Red-haired or fox-colored” from Old French/Norman roots.
What is the origin of the name Russell?
Russell has Old French/Norman origin. The traditional meaning is “Red-haired or fox-colored”.
How popular is Russell?
Russell ranked #345 in 2025 — given to 944 babies that year.
When was Russell most popular?
Russell peaked in 1960 with 7,482 babies registered that year.
Is Russell a boy or girl name?
Russell is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Russells in registered births are male.
Is the name Russell rising or falling in popularity?
Russell has risen 24 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #369 in 2020 to #345 in 2025.
How long has Russell been recorded?
Russell appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.