Russells

Russells is the plural form used to refer to people bearing the surname Russell. The surname Russell originated from the Old French names Rousel or Roussel, a nickname likely meaning little red one or red-haired, derived from russet coloring. It entered England after the Norman Conquest and spread widely, becoming a common surname in English-speaking countries. In addition to personal naming, Russells appears in place names and other entities named after bearers of the surname.

Notable individuals with the surname Russell include the philosopher Bertrand Russell, whose work in logic and analytic philosophy is widely cited; actor Russell Crowe; comedian and actor Russell Brand; Brooklyn-based entrepreneur Russell Simmons; football quarterback Russell Wilson; and comedian Russell Howard. The surname is common across many fields, so a broad range of figures share it.

Geography and institutions: There are towns, boroughs, and municipalities named Russell or Russells in several English-speaking countries, typically named in honor of local bearers of the surname. In education and science, the name appears in associations and initiatives such as the Russell Group, a network of leading UK universities.

Other uses: In finance and business, the surname features in corporate and product names, including Russell Investments and the Russell Indexes (notably the Russell 2000), which originate from the Frank Russell Company. The prevalence of the name across people, places, and organizations gives Russells broad cultural and historical presence without implying a single defining entity.