Origins of the Russell surname
What does the name Russell mean?
Russell is a surname with a number of distinct assumed origins, the two most common believed to both be Anglo-Norman. The first source is thought to be geographical, and refer to people who come from the commune of Rosel in Normandy. The second, includes people who are given the nickname 'rusel' (red-haired), given to those with this particular physical feature or their descendants.
Alternative variations of the name Russell
Russell, Russel, Rusell, Russill, Rossell
Start your family history journey
Start free trial
Start your family tree
Trace your family back in time. Make new discoveries and see what other Findmypast family historians in our genealogy community have discovered about the Russells.
Sign up to get startedDelve deeper into the Russell family's history
Common jobs for Russells
Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.
Commmon female occupations for Russells in 1921
Dressmaker
1,761
Laundress
988
Domestic Servant
977
Living On Own Means
719
General Servant Domestic
688
Commmon male occupations for Russells in 1921
Coal Miner
1,814
Agricultural Labourer
1,274
General Labourer
1,217
Farmer
887
Tailor
840
Learn more about the lives of Russell family members
Share your discoveries
Look for a different surname
Find out more about your family in our records