Red-haired or from the land of the Rus
Rus is a rare diminutive or topographic name. It historically refers to the people of the Rus' Khaganate or Kievan Rus', likely derived from an Old Norse term for 'the men who row.' In some contexts, it can also be a short form of names like Russell, meaning 'red-haired.'
Less common today
Rus isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #6,775 in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
