Russell m
English: transferred use of the common surname, itself originally from the Old French nickname Rousel ‘little red one’ (a diminutive of rous red, from Latin russus). It is now widely used as a given name in its own right and may in some cases have been bestowed in honour of the philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872–1970), who was noted for his liberal agnostic views and his passionate championship of causes such as pacifism (in the First World War), free love, and nuclear disarmament. He was the grandson of the Victorian statesman Lord John Russell (1792–1878).
First names dictionary. 2012.