English, Scottish and Irish, of Norman origin, from Old French rous(s)el, a diminutive of rous 'red', used for someone with red hair or a ruddy face. Established in Ireland since the 12th century and reinforced by Huguenot Roussels. Some English bearers instead take the name from places called Rushall or Rusthall.
Spellings and related forms: Russel, Rosel, Rousel, Roussel, Rossell, Rossi (Italian), Rojas (Spanish).
A robin, known for its red breast, echoes 'little red one'.
Most surnames have no single "family crest". In heraldry, a coat of arms belonged to one person and passed down one line of descent. Sites that sell "the Russell coat of arms" usually show the arms of one historic family that shared the name. Ours is different on purpose: an original design built from what the name means, which any Russell can own honestly.
Blankets: soft velveteen plush (100% polyester), printed on one side; may run up to 3 in. short of the listed size. Rugs: polyester chenille with hemmed edges and a coated backing, for indoor use. Both are printed in the USA (Georgia and North Carolina).
Name meanings come from the sources above, checked 2026-10. Where scholars disagree, we say so.