Russell is a Norman name that became established in Ireland from the medieval period.
Where does the Russell name come from?
Russell is a surname of Norman-French origin, from rous or rousel, a diminutive meaning “little red one” — a nickname for someone with red hair or a ruddy complexion. It was a common Norman name carried to these islands after the Conquest.
Russell in Ireland
The name came with the Norman settlement and became established among Hiberno-Norman and later families, particularly in the Pale, in counties Down and Dublin, and in Munster. As a settled name of Norman roots, Russell is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
You may also like Rogers, Ryder, and Barry.
Carry the Russell name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the Russell collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is Russell an Irish surname?
Russell is of Norman origin and became a settled name in Ireland, especially in the Pale, Down and Munster.
What does Russell mean?
It comes from a Norman nickname meaning “little red one,” for red hair or a ruddy complexion.
Is there a Russell family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our Russell products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
