Russell comes from a Norman French nickname, rous, meaning "red" or "little red one", originally given to someone with red hair or a ruddy face. It was a leading aristocratic surname in England, and philosopher Bertrand Russell, actor Russell Crowe and basketball legend Bill Russell made it familiar in America. In the United States Russell has remained in the top 1000 throughout this century and ranks number 345 in 2025, close to its level of number 320 in 2000.