Surname Rushing - Meaning and Origin

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V. Rushing

Rushing: What does the surname Rushing mean?

The last name Rushing is of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from an old English pre-7th century personal name "Hrusa". The meaning of this old English word is "rush", referring to a plant growing in marshy grounds. The "-ing" suffix suggests "people of" or "followers of", hence Rushing could mean "people of Hrusa" or "followers of Hrusa". Over time, the name has gone through variations due to dialect and regional influences. It could also be a habitational name from a lost or unidentified place named with the Old English elements hrise (brushwood) and ing (people living at or near). It may also have been a nickname for a person who was always in a hurry. Hence, this last name usually has connections with English, German, Dutch and Jewish origins. Like many surnames, interpretation can vary and may be influenced by historical and cultural developments related to the name. Today, Rushing is a surname found primarily in the United States, with clusters of families bearing the name spread across the country.

Rushing: Where does the name Rushing come from?

The last name Rushing is most commonly found in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, the frequency of the surname Rushing is greatest in Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.

Rushing is a relatively uncommon name, with only around 4,900 people in the United States having the name as of 2019. However, it is much more prominent in certain parts of the south. In Arkansas, for example, approximately one in every 33,621 people carries the Rushing surname. In Mississippi, this figure is higher at one in every 29,059 people having the Rushing surname.

It’s likely that the prevalence of the Rushing name in these southern states can be attributed to historical migration patterns and settlement patterns among African Americans. These states were popular destinations for African Americans migrating from the Deep South in the early 1900s. As a result, some African American families, including the Rushing name, may have taken root in these areas.

In addition to the southern regions of the US, Rushing is also common among southwestern states like Texas. The frequency rate of the Rushing surname in Texas is one per 54,310 people, with approximately 255 people carrying the Rushing surname as of 2019.

Overall, the Rushing surname is most common today in the southern and southwestern regions of the United States. A small handful of Rushing families also exist throughout the state of Florida.

Variations of the surname Rushing

The surname Rushing mainly originates from West England and has a variety of variants and spelling in different regions. The most common variants of the surname Rushing are Ruschen, Ruskin, Rushin, Rishin, and Rishing.

The Rushen spelling originates from northern England and is also seen in English-speaking countries in North America such as the United States and Canada. It is believed that the Rushen form of the surname is from the Old English "hrisan" meaning "to surge, rush or move quickly".

The Rushin and Rishin variant of the surname is found mainly in the south of England and it is believed to come from the Old English words "hrusan" meaning "to move or rush". It is also seen in a few countries in the Caribbean such as Jamaica and Dominica.

The Ruskin spelling is more commonly found in Irish and Scottish immigrants, originating from the Old English term "hruscung" meaning "a hasty torrent". This variation of the surname is most often seen in regions where there are a higher number of Irish and Scottish immigrants, such as Australia and South Africa.

The Rishing spelling variant, however, is mainly found in the United States and is believed to come from the Old English word "hrysian" meaning "to rush or move quickly and urgently". It is also seen in a few countries in South America such as Brazil and Argentina.

Overall, these various spellings and variants of the surname Rushing all originate from the same root meaning and are most commonly seen in regions with higher populations of English and Irish immigrants.

Famous people with the name Rushing

• Jamaal Charles Rushing: Jamaal Charles is a former NFL running back who played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro, and a two-time NFL rushing champion.
• Bobby Rushing: Bobby Rushing is an American politician and the current Mississippi State Representative from District 67. He is also a former speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives.
• Marcus Rushing: Marcus Rushing is an American former basketball player who played college basketball for the University of Mississippi and professionally in the NBA and ABA.
• Lauryn Rushing: Lauryn Rushing is an American actress and singer best known for her roles on the television series Prison Break and Pretty Little Liars.
• Darryl Rushing: Darryl Rushing is an American politician who serves as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for District 64 in Hinds County.
• Kelvin Rushing: Kelvin Rushing is an American football cornerback who last played for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League.
• Sharon Rushing: Sharon Rushing is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series One Tree Hill and A Million Little Things.
• Vashti Rushing: Vashti Rushing is an American author and speaker best known for her book The Power of Plain Talk: How to Say What You Mean and Get What You Want.
• Christopher Rushing: Christopher Rushing is an American writer and actor best known for his role in the film My Bloody Valentine 3D.
• Jarrod Rushing: Jarrod Rushing was an American football linebacker who played for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League.

Other surnames

Rushin