Russell is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #705 in 2005 with 36 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1996 with 111 births ranking #257. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 67.6%. In 2005, approximately 1 in every 8,596 boys born was named Russell. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Russell is a familiar surname-style classic meaning little red one. It feels steady and understated, with much deeper history than its modern plainness suggests.
The name came into English through Norman French surname use and later settled into first-name use. It has remained durable because it sounds sensible and easy to trust.