Russell

A Norman import that stuck, Russell comes from the Old French rous, red, a nickname for someone with russet hair or a ruddy complexion. The name carried through English aristocracy, produced a philosopher in Bertrand Russell and a crooner in Russell Crowe, and enjoyed a long American run in the mid-twentieth century before easing into quieter territory. It now holds a steady mid-300s rank, lately aided by the animated Up protagonist and a generation warming to vintage choices. Two syllables with a double-S hush at the center. Russell sounds like someone with a favorite armchair and strong opinions about pie.