Surname Russel - Meaning and Origin

Russel: What does the surname Russel mean?

The surname Russel originates from Scotland and England. In Old French, it means "little red one," which originally indicated someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. Over centuries, the name has evolved into various forms such as Russell, Russ, Red, and Rousseau, to name a few. The spelling 'Russel' is a variant, typically from Scotland. Notable people with the surname Russel include British philosopher Bertrand Russel and American film director Ken Russel. The surname conveys a rich history, touching many cultures and languages. Its enduring legacy ties it to countless individuals, each of whom has contributed uniquely to its influence.

Russel: Where does the name Russel come from?

The last name Russel is most common in the United States, where it was recorded as being the 26th most common surname in the country in 2020. Outside of the United States, it is especially prevalent in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In the United States, Russel is especially common in the South and parts of the Midwest. The states with the highest concentration of Russels include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

In the United Kingdom, it is most commonly found in England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The top five counties with the highest number of Russels are Lancashire, County Durham, Kent, Greater London, and Essex.

In Canada, it is particularly found in Quebec, indicating the surname was likely brought by early French settlers. The majority of Canadiain Russels are concentrated in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia.

In both Australia and New Zealand, the original source of the surname’s popularity is most likely from the waves of 19th-century British immigration. In Australia, the name is most common in Queensland, followed by New South Wales and Victoria. In New Zealand, it is found more widely across the North Island, with the highest number found in the Auckland and Wellington regions.

Variations of the surname Russel

The surname Russel has a few variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. It is a patronymic or baptisimal surname, meaning it was derived from the first name of the father of the bearer.

Variations of the surname include Russell, Russ, Rushell, Rushel, Russelle, and Rossell. Different spellings may also be seen such as Russle or Roscill. Other surnames of the same origin include Rusa, Ruska, Ruskie, Russeck, Russelo, and Russo.

The primary origin of this surname is England and Scotland. It is derived from the old French “rous”, meaning red, and the Old English “hæsel”, meaning hazel. The Conan de Brus family, the earliest recorded ancestors of the Russell surname, were of Norman origin and settled in Britain in the 12th century.

The surname is also found in the Netherlands, Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. It has spread to other parts of the world, notably the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Russell is also a very popular surname in Scotland and is the fifth most common surname today.

In conclusion, there are several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin for the surname Russel. These include Russell, Russ, Rushell, Rushel, Russelle, Rossell, Russle, Roscill, Rusa, Ruska, Ruskie, Russeck, Russelo, and Russo.

Famous people with the name Russel

• Russell Wilson: Professional American Football quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks
• Kurt Russell: American actor
• Oliver Russell: British actor
• Lori Russell: Co-founder of the Russell Simmons Math and Mentoring Program
• Jeff Russell: Former Major League Baseball pitcher
• Sarah Russell: English singer, songwriter and Actress
• Shelly Russell: Canadian Indigenous singer/songwriter
• Holly Lynch Russell: Australian lawyer and Labour Party politician
• Jonathan Russell: American musician
• Busy Philipps: American actress
• Jack Russell: British philosopher, classicist, and theologian
• Malcolm Russell: American Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering
• Dave Russell: Canadian politician
• Justin Russell: Australian country musician
• Wyatt Russell: American actor and former professional ice hockey player

Other surnames

RusseRussell