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ArchivesMy column on Russell (and a comment on Rusty and Ginger)
Here is the link to today's column:
https://omaha.com/life-entertainment/local/cleveland-evans-russell-is-a-surname-that-became-a-common-first-name/article_393d2bd0-f2af-11ee-b562-07d76feb49a8.html
One of the interesting differences in naming between the UK and USA is how in the former people called "Rusty" and "Ginger" are normally thought to have the nickname because they have red hair, while unitl very recently in the USA these were primarily thought of as pet forms for Russell and Virginia, respectively. "Ginger" as a term for "redhead" in particular is a Britishism which has only started being used in the USA in the last few decades. The famous American actress Ginger Rogers was born as a Virginia and did not have red hair.
https://omaha.com/life-entertainment/local/cleveland-evans-russell-is-a-surname-that-became-a-common-first-name/article_393d2bd0-f2af-11ee-b562-07d76feb49a8.html
One of the interesting differences in naming between the UK and USA is how in the former people called "Rusty" and "Ginger" are normally thought to have the nickname because they have red hair, while unitl very recently in the USA these were primarily thought of as pet forms for Russell and Virginia, respectively. "Ginger" as a term for "redhead" in particular is a Britishism which has only started being used in the USA in the last few decades. The famous American actress Ginger Rogers was born as a Virginia and did not have red hair.
This message was edited 4/7/2024, 7:35 AM
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Replies
I will probably have to subscribe to your newspaper because I enjoy your articles very much and refer to them often. I've mentally categorized Russell now with all the other Revolutionary hero names. I found out about the Junius papers through learning about men named June, mostly black men in the US but also the father of John Wilkes Booth. Also Emmet from Robert Emmet.
If you ever compile your articles into a book, I will buy it!
If you ever compile your articles into a book, I will buy it!
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Oh dear, I'm so sorry - that wretched newspaper wants me to subscribe again. Pity: I'd have enjoyed this column - one red-blond husband, and one daughter who, when she was born, was announced as being the World's Smallest Scarlet Woman!
Do you still have my e-address? And will it be possible for you to forward this article as before? I really don't like having to do this.
Apologies.
All the best
Do you still have my e-address? And will it be possible for you to forward this article as before? I really don't like having to do this.
Apologies.
All the best
1