Russel
Russel is a boy's name of French origin.
Meaning
Little red one or red-haired.
Origin and history
Russel is a male given name derived from an Anglo-Norman surname, which originated as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. While the double-L spelling Russell is more common in the United States, Russel has been continuously used as a first name since at least the late 19th century. Today, it remains a familiar traditional name with a classic, grounded feel.
Popularity in the United States
16,610 babies in the United States have been named Russel since 1880. It ranks #912 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1788.
States where it is most popular
- PA (16.2 %)
- OH (8.6 %)
- CA (8.2 %)
- IL (7.9 %)
- MI (7.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 73 |
| 1890-1900 | 222 |
| 1900-1910 | 352 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,181 |
| 1920-1930 | 3,288 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,835 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,741 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,802 |
| 1960-1970 | 1,729 |
| 1970-1980 | 1,168 |
| 1980-1990 | 914 |
| 1990-2000 | 550 |
| 2000-2010 | 355 |
| 2010-2019 | 261 |
| 2020-2029 | 139 |
Famous people named Russel
- Russel Wright: Industrial designer, Artist
- Russel Crouse: Playwright, Librettist
- Russel L. Honoré: Military officer, General
Nicknames
Russ, Rusty
Fun facts
- Russel with a single 'l' is a variant of Russell, both deriving from the Old French word 'roussel', a diminutive of 'roux' meaning red.
- Although less common than the two-L spelling, Russel has been registered in the United States every year since Social Security tracking began in 1880.