A 1950s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Russ since 1898
Babies named Russ per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 66 |
| 1920s | 106 |
| 1930s | 173 |
| 1940s | 624 |
| 1950s | 1,415 |
| 1960s | 2,217 |
| 1970s | 673 |
| 1980s | 405 |
| 1990s | 171 |
| 2000s | 70 |
| 2010s | 89 |
| 2020s | 111 |
Meaning & origin
Russ, a concise and friendly short form of Russell, carries the meaning of 'little red one' from its Norman roots. While never a top-tier name, it achieved its highest popularity in 1959 when it peaked in usage. After a period of decline, Russ has been rising in popularity again since 2009. In 2025, it ranked 4,857 with approximately 1 in 85,404 baby boys receiving the name. Its recent resurgence suggests a renewed appreciation for short, vintage names.
Russ is a diminutive of the Norman French name Russell, which itself derived from the Old French nickname 'rous', meaning 'red' or 'red-haired'. The name was brought to England by the Normans and became both a surname and a given name. As a standalone given name, Russ gained popularity in the early 20th century, often as a short form or a familiar alternative to Russell.
Where Russ is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Russ
Sibling names for Russ
Names that share Russ's style, for a brother or sister.
