The name Russell is an English given name of Norman French origin, derived from the Old Norman word "roussel" or "rossel," meaning "little red one" or "ruddy." This name dates back to the early medieval period, around the 11th century, when the Normans invaded and settled in parts of England and brought their naming traditions with them.

The name likely originated as a nickname or descriptive term for someone with reddish hair or a ruddy complexion. It was not uncommon for nicknames and descriptive terms to evolve into given names during this time period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Russell can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Russel" in this document, referring to landowners or tenants.

In the 12th century, the name Russell gained prominence as a surname in England, particularly among noble and landowning families. One of the most notable historical figures with this name was Lord John Russell (1792-1878), a British Whig and Liberal politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1846 to 1852 and from 1865 to 1866.

Another famous bearer of the name Russell was Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), a British philosopher, logician, mathematician, and Nobel laureate. He is widely regarded as one of the founders of analytic philosophy and made significant contributions to the field of logic and set theory.

In the realm of literature, Mary Russell is a fictional character created by American author Laurie R. King in her series of detective novels featuring Sherlock Holmes and his apprentice, Mary Russell. The first book in the series, "The Beekeeper's Apprentice," was published in 1994.

Other notable individuals with the name Russell include Bill Russell (1934-2022), an American professional basketball player who won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, and Kurt Russell (born 1951), an American actor known for roles in films like "Escape from New York," "Big Trouble in Little China," and "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2."

Throughout history, the name Russell has maintained its popularity, particularly in English-speaking countries, and has been associated with various historical figures, writers, philosophers, and celebrities, reflecting its enduring appeal and cultural significance.