The name Russell is of English origin and means "little red one". It is derived from the given name Rudd, which comes from the Old Norse word "hróðr" meaning "fame", and the diminutive suffix "-sel". The name was originally used as a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion.
The name Russell has been in use since medieval times and was popular among the nobility. It was also borne by several historical figures, such as Sir William Russell, who fought alongside King Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt, and John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford, who served as Lord High Treasurer of England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
In literature, the name Russell has been used in works such as "The Mysterious Island" by Jules Verne and "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. It has also been popular among celebrities, with notable examples including actor Kurt Russell and singer Seal (born Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adonaith Samuel).
Overall, the name Russell is a strong and distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Its meaning adds to its appeal, as it suggests a small but powerful or influential figure. Despite its historical roots, however, the name remains popular today and is often chosen by parents for their children due to its unique sound and positive associations.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Russ has experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States.
From 1898 to 1946, the number of babies named Russ fluctuated between a low of 6 births in 1898 and a high of 101 births in 1947. The peak during this period was reached in 1946 with 97 births.
However, from 1947 onwards, there was a substantial increase in the popularity of the name Russ. In 1956, the number of babies named Russ nearly tripled to 168 births compared to the previous year. This trend continued, reaching an all-time high in 1959 with 348 births.
Unfortunately, after this peak, the popularity of the name Russ began to decline steadily. By 1972, there were only 73 babies named Russ, marking a significant drop from the previous decade.
From 1972 onwards, the number of babies named Russ continued to fluctuate but remained relatively low compared to the peak years in the mid-50s and late 60s. The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were 21 births with the name Russ.
In total, from 1898 to 2023, there have been 6095 babies named Russ born in the United States. These statistics demonstrate the changing trends and popularity of the name Russ over time.