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 VIRTUE WITHOUT STAIN Clan Crest © Art Pewter Silver Ltd, East Kilbride, Scotland |
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The origins of the name Russell are unclear. It may have derived from the French de Rozel, however in Scotland at least it may have derived from the word “rous” meaning red, with a Russell ancestor having a ‘ruddy’ complexion or red hair.
The name is one of the earliest surnames recorded in Scotland, the first being a Walter Russell who witnessed a charter in Paisley Abbey in the 12th Century. John, son of Robert Russel of Duncanlaw granted land to found a Hospital between 1180 and 1220. Robert Russel of Berwickshire was a big enough landowner to be required to sign the Ragman Roll and pay homage to Edward I in 1296. Russells can be found in Aberdeenshire where Rozel, an English baron who had fought at the siege of Berwick and the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, obtained an estate at Aden. The family was described as “Russel of that Ilk” implying that they were substantial landowners. The borders branch of the family was well represented in the army during the 18th and 19th centuries in India.In England, a family which began with a Rufus (another form of Russell), rose to become the Dukes of Bedford. The 3rd son of the 6th Duke of Bedford studied at Edinburgh University where he was greatly influenced by the independent and democratic philosophy taught there. His grandson, the 3rd Earl Russell, was also an independent thinker, better known as the philosopher Bertrand Russell. Not all Russells are celebrated for their good works. Jerome Russell, a monk, was burned at High Street, Glasgow in 1539 for heresy. No chief is presently identified for the clan and if Scottish descent is being sought, links to the Russell branch of the clan, based in the north and with affiliations to the Cumming clan should be established. |