Russell

Russell is an English surname transferred to use as a given name, derived from a Norman French nickname meaning red, referring to someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion, ultimately from Old French roux or rous with a diminutive suffix. It was brought to England after the Norman Conquest and became established as an aristocratic family name, most notably associated with the prominent English Russell family, the Dukes of Bedford. Its adoption as a first name gained momentum in the 19th century, partly in honor of the philosopher and mathematician Bertrand Russell and the wider prestige of the Russell family. The short form Russ is commonly used.