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RUSH Family History

Recorded as Rush, Rushe, Rosher, Rusher, Rushman (British Isles), Risch, Rischer, Rosch, Roscher (German), and many other spellings, this very interesting surname has at least four possible origins. It is generally accepted that in England it is a topographical surname from pre 7th century origins and describes a person who either lived near an area of rushes, or perhaps more likely described a reed cutter or reed merchant as in Alan le Russere of Sussex in the Subsidy Rolls of the year 1296. The derivation is from the ancient word 'rysc', meaning reeds or rushes. The Scottish and many Irish nameholders derive their name from 'risag' which has the same meaning of rush, and in Scotland the name also developed into Ruske and Risk...