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Russel

♂ Boy

Russel Pronunciation

Russel is 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 (2024)#4522 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births23 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 16,584

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

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

Famous bearers coming soon.

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

→ See all names like Russel

Browse the whole category: All French names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Russel?

Russel is pronounced RUSS-əl (/ˈrʌs.əl/). Press play above to hear Russel said aloud.

How do you say Russel?

Russel is said RUSS-əl (/ˈrʌs.əl/). Press play above to hear Russel said aloud.

What does the name Russel mean?

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

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.