Russo is an Italian surname and given name that originates from the Italian word "rosso," which means red. This name is often associated with the color red due to its derivation.
The Russo name has a long history in Italy, dating back to at least the 13th century. It was initially a nickname or occupational name for someone who had a reddish complexion, wore red clothing, or worked with red dyes. Over time, Russo evolved from being primarily a nickname to becoming an established family name.
In Italian culture, the Russo surname is particularly prevalent in southern Italy and on the island of Sicily. According to some sources, the earliest known records of the Russo name can be found in Naples, where a "Dominico Russo" was listed as a priest in 1534.
Today, Russo remains a popular name throughout Italy and has also gained popularity internationally, particularly among families with Italian heritage or those who appreciate its connection to the vibrant color red. While it is more commonly used as a surname, Russo can also be given as a first name for boys and girls.
The name Russo has seen a fluctuation in popularity over the past few years in the United States. In 2019, there were 7 babies named Russo, followed by a dip to 5 newborns with this name in 2021. However, the trend seemed to reverse in 2022, with 6 babies given the name Russo at birth.
Looking at the data over these three years, we can see that a total of 18 babies were named Russo in the United States during this period. While it's not one of the most common names, it still holds its own as a unique choice for parents. It will be interesting to observe if this trend continues or changes in the coming years.