Russella is a unique and captivating feminine given name of American origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage.
The name Russella is derived from the masculine given name Russell, which itself originates from the Middle English surname 'Ruscell,' a variant of the Old French personal name 'Roussel.' The latter name was likely derived from the Germanic elements 'Hrod' meaning "fame" and 'wulfan' meaning "wolf." Therefore, Russella can be interpreted as meaning "famous little wolf."
While Russell is well-documented throughout history, appearances of its feminine counterpart are relatively rare. One notable figure bearing the name Russella was Russella Mitchell, an American silent film actress active during the 1910s and early 1920s.
Today, despite its scarcity, the name Russella continues to evoke a sense of strength, uniqueness, and timeless beauty. It is often associated with individuals who possess an independent spirit and a strong will, characteristics that resonate with those who choose this distinctive name for their daughters.
The name Russella has been given to a total of 46 babies in the United States over the years 1940 to 1966, with the highest number of births occurring in 1952 and 1940, both with 7 births. The name was also quite popular in the late 1940s and early 1950s, with at least 5 babies named Russella each year from 1948 to 1953. Despite its popularity during this period, the name's usage has since declined, as evidenced by the fact that there were no reported births with the name Russella after 1966 in the United States.