Russ dates back to Norman Conquest of 1066, first appearance in Devonshire, England, where they were seated and granted lands by William the Conquer for their distinguished assistance at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The name is a descriptive name for a person with red hair; derived from the Old French nickname ‘rous’ meaning redhead.
May also be a shortened form of the Norman given name to William II of England (c. 1056 – 2 August 1100); who was commonly known as 'William Rufus', possibly because of his red-faced appearance?
By webmaster on Nov 25, 2009 | In Family Names, Russ | Send feedback »
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