Russi History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Italy

The name Russi is derived from the Italian word "Rosso," which comes from the Latin words "Rubius and Rossius," which mean "red." As a surname, Russi was originally a nickname for a person with red hair or a reddish complexion. Nickname surnames usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. Although the most common type of family name found in Tuscany is the patronymic surname, which is derived from the father's given name, the nickname type of surname is also frequently found.

Early Origins of the Russi family

The surname Russi was first found in the cites of Trento, Udine, Vicenza, Venice, Savigliano, Pisa, Ravenna, and Rome. Some of the family migrated as far south as Sicily. This southern branch of the family descended from Count Ugone Rosso of Sicily, whose ancestors were Normans.

Early History of the Russi family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Russi research. Another 30 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1176, 1197, 1204, 1325, 1439, 1507, 1564, 1602, 1656, 1659, 1715 and 1783 are included under the topic Early Russi History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Russi Spelling Variations

Surnames that originated in Italy are characterized by an enormous number of spelling variations. Some of these are derived from regional traditions and dialects. Northern names, for instance, often end in "o", while southern names tend to end in "i". Other variations come from the fact the medieval scribes tended to spell according to the sound of words, rather than any particular set of rules. The recorded variations of Russi include Rosso, Rossa, Rossi, Del Rosso, De Rossi, De Russi, Lo Russo, Lorusso, La Russa, Larussa, Rosselli, Rossello, Rossellini, Ruggiu, Ruiu, Ruju, Rubiu, Rossillo, Rossetto, Rossit, Rossini, Rossitti, Rossitto, Rossotto, Russotti, Russello, Russetti, Russino, Russiani, Rossoni, Rossetti, Roussini, Rosselino, Rossato, Della Rossa, DeRossi, De Rubeis, Russo and many more.

Early Notables of the Russi family

Prominent among members of the family was Jacoppi Rossi in 1176, Gherardo Rossi in 1197 and Beringhieri Rossi in 1204; in 1325, Fidello del Rosso was prior at St. Piero; Giambattista Rossi vicar of Ordine in 1564; Lorenzo Rossi, professor of philosophy at the University of Ferrara in the 17th century; Cosimo Rosselli (1439-1507), an Italian painter of the Quattrocento, active mainly in his birthplace of Florence; Michelangelo Rossi (Michel Angelo del Violino) (ca. 1602-1656), an important Italian composer, violinist and organist...
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Russi Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Russi migration to the United States +

In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Russi

Russi Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Antonia Russi, aged 22, who landed in America from Grumo, Italy, in 1907
Angelo Russi, aged 32, who immigrated to the United States from Marciarue, Italy, in 1910
Antonio Russi, aged 24, who landed in America from Carpino, Italy, in 1911
Antonio Russi, aged 17, who immigrated to the United States from Ischitella, Italy, in 1912
Angela Russi, aged 31, who settled in America from S. Seoeso, Italy, in 1912
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Russi (post 1700) +

Bernhard Russi (b. 1948), Swiss three-time gold and two-time silver medalist World Cup alpine ski racer
Russi Taylor (1944-2019), American voice actress, best known for her voice work as Minnie Mouse from 1986 and Martin Prince on The Simpsons from 1989 until her death in 2019