The name 'Rushlight' is listed among the families of the Men of Bree, so at least some members of the family seem to have lived in Bree itself. The name's association with rushes, though indirect, suggests some kind of connection to the Midgewater Marshes, the only nearby habitat suitable for these plants. It is perhaps possible, therefore, that this family had its origins in parts of the Bree-land approaching the Marshes, somewhat farther east than the town of Bree itself.

A 'rushlight' is an extremely basic type of candle made by peeling a rush to expose its pith, and then dipping that pith in tallow. The name of the Rushlight family therefore presumably comes from early members making these rushlight candles as their occupation.