Rush

Overview

Rush is a British surname derived from the Old English word rysce, meaning "reed" or "rush." The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who lived near a stand of rushes or worked with reeds in some capacity. Alternatively, the name could have derived from a nickname for a person who had reedy or rushed-like qualities.

History

The history of the Rush surname can be traced back to medieval England, where it was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the centuries, the surname has spread across the British Isles and beyond, with notable concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Devon.

During the British colonial period, the Rush surname may have been carried by settlers to other parts of the world, particularly to countries within the former British Empire.

Notable Individuals

  • Bobby Rush (1946 - Present): An American blues musician and singer-songwriter who adopted his stage name from the Rush surname.

  • Barbara Rush (1927 - Present): A British-American actress known for her work in film and television.

Legacy

The Rush surname continues to be borne by diverse individuals around the world, each contributing to their own unique legacy. Whether through music, the arts, business, or other pursuits, those who bear the surname Rush help to maintain its place in the tapestry of British surnames.

There are approximately 6,475 people named Rush in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,462nd most common surname in Britain. Around 99 in a million people in Britain are named Rush.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Thomas

Female

  • Ann
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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