The first name Russel
A boy’s name.
Pronounced /ˈɹʌsəl/ 2 syllables Male Also a surname
Meaning and origin
A male given name transferred from the surname.
From Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Popularity
Babies registered in England and Wales, 1996–2025
In 2025, 3 boys were named Russel, making it the 5,137th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 1997, with 4 births (#2,337).
Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Russel with other names.
Popularity in the United States
Babies named Russel at birth, 1880–2025
In 2025, 27 boys born in the United States were named Russel, the 4,020th most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 1920, when 389 were.
US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.
Famous people named Russel
3 on Wikidata, most written-about first
- Alfred Russel WallaceBritish naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist and biologist (1823–1913)
- Russel CrouseAmerican playwright (1893-1966)
- TwistzzCanadian professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player (born 1999)
Questions
- How popular is the name Russel?
- In 2025, 3 boys born in England and Wales were named Russel, ranking 5,137th. Its peak was 1997, with 4 births.
- Is Russel a boy's or a girl's name?
- Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 16,622 US babies named Russel since 1880 were boys.
- When was Russel most popular?
- 1920 in the United States, when 389 babies were named Russel, its highest rank at 283rd.
- How do you pronounce Russel?
- Russel is /ˈɹʌsəl/, 2 syllables.
- Is Russel also a surname?
- Yes. Russel is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.