Russell

boyOld French

Russell is an boy name of Old French origin, meaning “Little red one”.

MeaningLittle red one
GenderBoy
OriginOld French
PronunciationRUSS-ul
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand

Meaning and origin of Russell

Russell began as an English surname from the Old French rousel, a diminutive of rous, 'red', so 'little red one'. It was a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy face. The Russell family, Dukes of Bedford, made it a prominent aristocratic name, and the philosopher Bertrand Russell is a famous bearer of the surname. It became common as a first name in the twentieth century.

Is Russell a religious name?

Russell is a secular surname-derived name with no religious background.

How popular is Russell?

Mostly a name for older generations; uncommon for babies now.

Gifts with the name Russell

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Spellings and variants of Russell

Names similar to Russell

More boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Russell mean?

Russell means 'Little red one'. It is of Old French origin.

Does Russell have a religious meaning?

Russell is a secular surname-derived name with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Russell?

Russell is pronounced RUSS-ul.

Is Russell a boy or girl name?

Russell is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.