"rush plant (marsh grass)"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Rush
Pronunciation: [ r-UHSH ]
Does Rush flow with your last name?
Fast, sharp, and unforgettable — one syllable of pure forward momentum
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Meaning & Origin
"to move swiftly, energetic forward movement"
Origin: Old French
Language: English
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, which may be politically polarizing for some families
The Story of Rush
Rush as a surname-turned-given-name comes from the Old English rysc meaning a rush plant — the tall marsh grass used historically to make mats, baskets, and floor coverings. As a verb, rush entered English from Old French ruser (to repel) via Latin recusare. As a given name, Rush follows the broad American trend of nature-inflected, action-word surnames crossing into first-name territory, evoking both natural imagery and energetic forward movement.
Rush has been slowly gaining use as a given name in the 21st century, particularly among parents drawn to strong, one-syllable names with kinetic energy. The name association with Rush Limbaugh may factor into parents' decisions, but the name's broader associations include the iconic Canadian rock band Rush and the imagery of swift, purposeful movement.
Rush is associated with the iconic Canadian rock band Rush, beloved for progressive rock classics and the legendary drummer Neil Peart. This musical legacy gives the name artistic credibility alongside its nature and energy associations. The band's intellectual, technically brilliant music makes Rush an appealing namesake.
Historical Record
Rush first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,236 babies have been named Rush in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Rush is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #1,496 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Rush is the name of the legendary Canadian rock trio — Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart — inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013
- Rush plant (Juncus) was one of the most commonly used plants in medieval households for floor covering and basket-weaving
- Rush Limbaugh was the most-listened-to American radio host for decades before his death in 2021
Rush in Other Languages
French
Rush
German
Rush
English
Rush
Spanish
Rush
Popularity Over Time
#1,496
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Rush
R
Rush Limbaugh
Entertainer
1951
American conservative radio host and political commentator who was the most listened-to radio personality in America for...
American conservative radio host and political commentator who was the most listened-to radio personality in America for decades
R
Rush (band)
Musician
Legendary Canadian progressive rock trio formed in 1968, featuring Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart; inducted int...
Legendary Canadian progressive rock trio formed in 1968, featuring Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, and Neil Peart; inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,496
- Total SSA Count
- 120
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Rush
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Rush is also used as a girl name, ranked #24841.
View Rush as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rush
What does the name Rush mean?
"rush plant (marsh grass)" (from Old English). "to move swiftly, energetic forward movement" (from Old French). Rush as a surname-turned-given-name comes from the Old English rysc meaning a rush plant — the tall marsh grass used historically to make mats, baskets, and floor coverings. As a verb, rush entered English from Old French ruser (to repel) via Latin recusare. As a given name, Rush follows the broad American trend of nature-inflected, action-word surnames crossing into first-name territory, evoking both natural imagery and energetic forward movement.
What is the origin of the name Rush?
Rush has Old English, Old French, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "rush plant (marsh grass)". In Old French, it means "to move swiftly, energetic forward movement".
Is Rush a boy or girl name?
Rush is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1496. As a girl name, it is ranked #24841. Rush is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Rush?
Rush is pronounced r-UHSH.
How popular is the name Rush?
Rush is currently ranked #1496 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Rush?
Popular middle name pairings include Rush James, Rush Alexander, Rush William, Rush Thomas, Rush Henry, Rush Cole, and Rush Blake.
What are good sibling names for Rush?
Names that pair well with Rush as siblings include Dash, Brooks, Sloane, Hunter, Remy, Wilder, and Lennox.
How many syllables does Rush have?
Rush has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Rush a common or rare name?
Rush is an uncommon name, ranked #1496 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Rush?
About the Name Rush
Rush is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "rush plant (marsh grass)" in Old English .
Is Rush a boy or girl name? Rush is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,496 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #24,841. Rush is more commonly used as a boy name.
Rush is currently ranked #1,496 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Rush has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-UHSH, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Rush include Russell, Rustyn, Rustin, Ruston, Rusty . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis