Russell
Russell first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1960, when 7,487 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 944.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Russell popular?
Steady Russell has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1960.
| 2020s | 5,285 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 7,409 | |
| 2000s | 7,792 | |
| 1990s | 13,740 | |
| 1980s | 26,651 | |
| 1970s | 35,469 | |
| 1960s | 60,447 | |
| 1950s | 62,406 | |
| 1940s | 41,336 | |
| 1930s | 28,840 | |
| 1920s | 37,208 | |
| 1910s | 24,842 | |
| 1900s | 4,552 | |
| 1890s | 2,780 | |
| 1880s | 1,023 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Russell mean?
Russell comes from a Norman surname meaning “little red one,” for someone with red hair, from the Old French rous. It is a surname turned first name.
Nicknames for Russell
- Russ
Variants & spellings
- Russel
- Roussel
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Russell a boy or a girl name?
Russell is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Russell a popular name right now?
Russell has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 1960.
How popular is the name Russell?
In 2025, Russell ranked #345 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Russell most popular?
Russell was most popular in 1960, when about 7,487 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Russell?
Common nicknames for Russell include Russ.