Russella

“Little red-haired one”

English origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#814US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

46All-time births

📅 Since 194000

How to pronounce Russella

RUHS·EL·uh

/ˈrəs.ˈɛl.ə/ · stress on RUHS · 3 syllables

“Little red-haired one”

English origin · Girl name

What does Russella mean and where does it come from?

Russella is a feminine form of the male name Russell, which originates from the Old French 'Roussel' meaning 'red-haired.' The name has found modern interpretations and variations across cultures. It is more commonly found in English-speaking regions but has also gained popularity in Italy where it

Cultural significance

Russella has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of little red-haired one.

Peak popularity

Reached #3856 in 1940 — currently #814 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Russella?

Russella works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Russella Grace

How popular is Russella right now?

Holding steady — currently #814 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1940–2023#814 · Top 0.60%

1940

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#814	1,386	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#819	1,366	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#824	1,336	▲ up 4316 · +22167% births
1950	#5140	6	▼ down 1284 · -14% births
1940	#3856	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Russella

Best Year2023Rank #814

Peak Count1,386

Average Rank#2291

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1940 - 20235 years

The story of Russella

Russella entered American naming records in 1940 and has been in use for over 84 years. With 46 total births recorded, Russella remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3856 in 1940 to #814 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Russella in 1940:

Mary Barbara Patricia Judith Betty

Russella by decade

Russella peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1940s	17
1950s ★	23
1960s	6

💎Russella has only 46 total recorded births since 1940 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Russella?

Common

RusRuElla

What names sound and feel like Russella?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Russella also consider these

Drusella

English · Latin

Ruella

English · little river

Ruthella

American · English

Drucella

English · A beloved name

Luvella

English · Sweetheart

Druzella

English · Strength, and courage

Common questions about the name Russella

What does the name Russella mean?

Russella means "Little red-haired one" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Russella?

Russella is currently ranked #814 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Russella?

Russella originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Russella?

Russella is a three-syllable name pronounced R AH1 S EH1 L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Russella?

Russella pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.