Ruiséil

RUISÉIL—XII—Rushell, Rosel, Rossell, Russell; Norman 'russel,' i.e., red-haired, diminutive of 'rous.' This surname came into Ireland at the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion and soon became very widespread, being specially common in Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, Limerick, Cork, Waterford, Louth and Down. The Russells of Co. Down came over with Sir John de Courcy. They held extensive property down to the confiscations of the 17th century. The late Lord Russell of Killowen, Lord Chief Justice of England, belonged to this ancient and illustrious family.

Alphabetical Index to Irish Surnames