Hi Pat and Dawn I am a descandent of a Russell who came from Scotland. In searching the scottish records Russell has been spelt as Rufsell/Rufsel especially in the 1700/1800's. They considered it an old writing. Someone on a list sent me the meaning of the old writing, but I can't seem to find it at the moment. Just recently found them on a 1841 census as Ropsell. I always use the soundex as have found them with all kinds of different variations. Joan B.C. Canada