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Russ Family History
Recorded in several forms as shown below, this is an English surname but probably of pre 10th century French origins. It is claimed to be a nickname for a person with red hair, and derives from the word 'rous' translating as red, but the precise meaning is open to some conjecture. Our opinion is that in many cases it would be a term perhaps of derision, by a Norman invader, for an Anglo-Saxon, since these people had red hair. What is certain is that the name had considerable popularity, and today as a surname is recorded as Rouse, Rous, Roux, Russ, Russe, Ruse, and possibly other spellings, in addition to the diminutives Ruskin, Roukin, Russell, Rousell, etc.Who have we missed?
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