Origin and Meaning of Russ

Meaning & Origin

Red-haired

Origin: English - Russ is derived from the Old French 'rous,' meaning 'red' or 'red-haired.' Historically, it has been used as a nickname for people with red hair.

Interesting Facts

  • Russ is often used as a diminutive of names like Russell or Rusty, but it is increasingly used on its own.
  • In some cultures, Russ can also connect to Russian heritage, as it resembles the Russian word 'Russkiy,' meaning 'Russian.'
  • Notable bearers include actor Russ Tamblyn and professional basketball player Russ Smith.
  • The name Russ has seen fluctuations in popularity but has remained relatively low-key compared to its longer derivatives. It has not ranked highly in recent name popularity charts.
  • Variations and related names include Russell, Rusty, and Ruiz in Spanish-speaking contexts.