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Home › Baby Names Directory › Russel

Russel

♂ Boy

Pronounced RUSS-əl /ˈrʌs.əl/High

Meaning: Single-l spelling of Russell — from Old French rous, 'red', with a diminutive — 'little red one, red-haired'Medium

In 30 seconds: Warm and classic: Russel spells Russell — 'little red one, red-haired' — with a single l. Sturdy, friendly, and timeless.
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Origin MediumFrench
MeaningSingle-l spelling of Russell — from Old French rous, 'red', with a diminutive — 'little red one, red-haired'
U.S. rank (2025)#4020 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births27 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1920
Total births (all-time)≈ 16,611

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192018802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Russel is a single-l spelling of Russell — from Old French rous, 'red', with a diminutive — 'little red one, red-haired'. A sturdy, friendly classic; the spelling personalizes it.

It registers thinly beside Russell. Rare, little-red-one at the root, and sturdy.

Did you know? Russell comes from Old French rous, 'red' — 'little red one' (originally for a red-haired person); Russel is a streamlined single-l spelling.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name — Russell — root etymology

Variations

RussellRussRusty

Nicknames

RussRusty

Famous Bearers

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If you like Russel…

Russell— the standard spelling
Rusty— a red-toned nickname-name
Reid— the 'red-haired' surname-name
Chapel— lands in the same popularity range
Revel— a fellow French choice

Explore names like Russel

By themesurname-namefrenchmodern-spelling

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Russel mean?

Russel spells Russell — Old French 'little red one, red-haired'.

How do you pronounce Russel?

It's said RUSS-əl /ˈrʌs.əl/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Russel a boy or girl name?

Russel is a boy's name.

How popular is Russel?

Russel is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Russell is more common.

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