The name Rush is derived from the Old English word "rysc," which means "rush plant" or "bulrush." It's a nature-inspired name that likely originated in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, sometime between the 5th and 11th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Rush can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086 to record landholdings in England. This suggests that the name was already in use by the late 11th century.

In medieval times, the name Rush was sometimes used as a surname, referring to people who lived near areas abundant with rushes or bulrushes. Over time, it transitioned into use as a given name as well.

Notable historical figures with the first name Rush include Rush Nugent (1701-1788), an Irish politician and landowner who served as a member of the Irish House of Commons. Another was Rush Rhees (1805-1887), an American educator and the third president of the University of Rochester.

In more recent history, Rush Hawkins (1831-1920) was an American Major League Baseball player who played for the Cincinnati Red Stockings in the early years of professional baseball. Rush D. Holt Sr. (1905-1955) was an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from West Virginia.

One of the most famous bearers of the name is Rush Limbaugh (1951-2021), the American conservative political commentator and radio personality known for his long-running talk show, "The Rush Limbaugh Show."

While the name Rush has its roots in Old English and was initially inspired by nature, it has evolved over time and been embraced by various cultures and backgrounds, making it a unique and enduring choice for a given name.