Surname Rush - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling History with iGENEA: A Deep Dive into the 'Rush' Lineage

An iGENEA DNA test journey reveals fascinating insights into the historical migration of the 'Rush' lineage, stirring emotions of awe and a sense of belonging. It reshapes perceptions of family and kinship, leaving an indelible mark on identity.

M. Rush

Rush: What does the surname Rush mean?

The last name Rush is of English origin and has a few possible meanings. It could denote someone who lived among rushes, a type of grassy plant that grows in marshy areas, thereby indicating their geographical location. This is supported by the Old English word "rysc," which means rush. Alternatively, it could refer to someone who made items out of rushes, like mats or baskets, pointing to the trade or occupation of the original bearer. Therefore, surnames with Rush typically have either topographic or occupational origins. Like many surnames, its exact meaning can vary and is often tied to the history and circumstances of individual families.

Rush: Where does the name Rush come from?

The last name Rush is a common surname originating from England, Ireland, and Scotland. It is most prevalent in the United States, where nearly 200,000 people are estimated to bear the name. It is particularly common in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Iowa, and North Carolina. In Pennsylvania, the surname Rush is the 48th most common surname, accounting for 0.53% of the population.

In England, Rush is the 37th most common last name, with approximately 62,199 people bearing the name. South Wales is the area with the largest concentration of people with the surname Rush.

In Ireland, the name Rush is most common in the Ulster provinces of Leinster, Connacht, and Munster, with roughly 9,000 bearing the name.

Scotland is home to nearly 5,000 people with the surname Rush, the majority of whom can be found in the Scottish Borders region.

Overall, Rush is an incredibly common surname, with a high percentage of people possessing this surname living in the United States, England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Variations of the surname Rush

The surname Rush is of English origin derived from Old English, and it is an occupational surname. Rush or Rushe is the most common spelling, with other variants including Rusha, Rusche and Rische. Some other more uncommon variants include Russhe, Rish and Russe.

In some instances, the surname Rush may be an Americanized form of a German or Jewish surname such as Rosen or Roshe. The German surname variants are Roos, Rosenberg, Roesel, Rosner, Rössler and Ruschiglioni. Additionally, there are some Dutch variations, such as Roos, Roesen, Roozen, Roozenburg, and Röse.

The modern spelling of Rush could come from a Middle English diminutive of Rushman. Rushman was originally an occupational name for a man who worked with rushes. This origin suggests the name was derived from the Middle English word “russhe”, which meant “rush mat”.

In Scotland, the surname Rush appears to be an anglicized form of properly “Raas”, which was derived from a shortened form of the Gaelic personal name “Macreas”, meaning “son of grace.”

The spelling of the surname Rush could also be of Italian origin. In this case, it could originate from the Italian “Rosche”, or the Italian surname “Rusci”, an Italian-sounding version of the “Ratliffe”. The surname Rodriguez, which is of Spanish origin, may also derive from Rush.

Overall, the surname Rush has many variants, most of which are variations on the same theme. It’s important to remember that the surname could also be an Americanized version of a different surname, like the German or Jewish surnames mentioned above, or an Anglicized version of a Gaelic, Italian, or Spanish surname. The origin of the Rush surname can help to narrow down which variant may be used.

Famous people with the name Rush

• Gordon Rush: famous English-American actor.
• Alex Rush: award-winning American screenwriter and producer.
• Neil Peart: legendary drummer of the rock band Rush.
• Molly Rush: prominent political and social activist.
• Olivia Rush: Olympic swimmer and gold medalist.
• Bobby Rush: U.S. Congressman from Chicago, Illinois.
• Jeremy Rush: professional stuntman and actor.
• Benjamin Rush: an influential political figure in the American Revolutionary War.
• Rush Limbaugh: conservative American political commentator and radio host.
• Christopher Rush: Fantasy artist and illustrator.

Other surnames

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