Russell — Last Name Origin & Meaning

Unknown origin Rank #104 in the US 221,558 Americans

US Rank (2010)
#104
▼ Down 11 since 2000
People in the US
221,558
75.11 per 100K people
Origin
Unknown
Unknown

Origin & Meaning of the Russell Surname

What does the last name Russell mean?

The surname Russell carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 221,558 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Russell ranks as the #104 most common surname in the United States.

Where does the surname Russell come from?

The Russell surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Russell name far beyond its original homeland.

Language of Origin

The linguistic roots of Russell trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.

Unknown Unknown

Quick Facts

Surname Russell
Meaning Origin and meaning under research
Origin Unknown
Language Unknown
US Rank (2010) #104
US Count (2010) 221,558
Per 100K People 75.11
First Letter R

Ethnic Distribution of Russell

According to the US Census, the Russell surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 221,558 Americans with the Russell last name.

White 77.05%
Black 16.69%
Hispanic 2.46%
Asian/PI 0.57%
Native American 1.05%
Two+ Races 2.18%
Ethnic distribution of the Russell surname in the US (2010 Census)
Ethnicity Percentage
White77.05%
Black16.69%
Hispanic2.46%
Asian/Pacific Islander0.57%
Native American1.05%
Two or More Races2.18%

Popularity of Russell Over Time

Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Russell surname has changed in prevalence.

Census 2000
#93
215,432 people
Down 11
Census 2010
#104
221,558 people

The number of Americans with the Russell surname increased by 6,126 between 2000 and 2010.

Discover Your Russell Ancestry

Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Russell ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.

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Similar Surnames to Russell

These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Russell.

Other Unknown Surnames

Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Russell.

Frequently Asked Questions About Russell

The surname Russell is of Unknown origin. Origin and meaning under research
The surname Russell is ranked #104 in the United States with approximately 221,558 people bearing this name as of the 2010 US Census.
Origin and meaning under research. The name has Unknown roots and has been present in the United States for generations.
According to US Census data, the Russell surname is distributed as: 77.0% White, 16.7% Black. This reflects the diverse heritage of Americans with this name.
To trace your Russell ancestry, consider using DNA testing services like Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or MyHeritage. These services can connect you with relatives and reveal your ethnic heritage and migration patterns.

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