Rusty is a nickname-derived given name in English, originally an affectionate or descriptive epithet for someone with a rusty, or reddish-brown, hair colour. Primarily used as a masculine name, Rusty evokes the warm tones of iron oxidation, a natural metaphor for red or auburn hair. As a diminutive or variant of Russell (derived from the Old French 'rous', meaning "red"), Rusty historically functioned as an informal nickname before gaining traction as an independent first name.