Derived from the Old French surname 'Roussel', meaning 'little red one', Russell is of Germanic origin and signifies 'small, dark-red'. It emerged as a given name during the Middle Ages in England, evolving from the Norman personal name 'Roussel'. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world due to notable figures such as John Russell, 1st Earl of Bedford, who served as Lord Chamberlain under King Henry VIII. Today, Russell is often associated with individuals like actor Russell Crowe and former U.S. President Russell B. Irving.
The name Russell experienced varying popularity throughout the decades with notable spikes in the 1920s and 1960s.