This post contains affiliate links.
At a Glance
- Meaning
- Little red-haired one
- Origin
- Anglo-Norman/Old French (surname)
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- RUSS-el
Russell is a boy's name, pronounced RUSS-el, that comes from Anglo-Norman/Old French as a surname meaning 'little red-haired one.' With a vintage, worldly style, it's a name with roots that go back generations. For parents researching options with an old-fashioned, well-traveled feel, Russell fits that mold.
Meaning & Origin of Russell
Meaning: Little red-haired one.
Origin: Anglo-Norman/Old French (surname).
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Russell
RUSS-elIPA /ˈrʌsəl/
Popularity of Russell
Russell hit its high point in 1904, ranking #48 with 473 babies given the name that year. By 2024 it had settled to #367, though 892 babies received the name — more than at its 1904 peak, even with the lower rank.
Names Like Russell
These names share Russell’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Russell mean?
Little red-haired one. (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Russell?
Russell is pronounced RUSS-el (IPA: /ˈrʌsəl/).
Is Russell a popular name right now?
Russell peaked at #48 in 1904 and is ranked #367 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make Russell Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Russell, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Russell? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
🎲 Think you know your baby names? Take the quiz!
📱 The Baby Names app is here
Swipe names, match with your partner the moment you both say yes, and claim a free Name Art print of your winner. Free to download. See all our apps →
