Brown Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Brown Name Meaning: In England, Ireland and Scotland, derives from hair colour or complexion. Also a variation of the Old Norse 'Brunn' used prior to the Norman Conquest in 1066. In Germany and other european countries, name derives from first-name 'Bruno', used by many Dukes of Saxony. Also derived from Gaelic 'Donn' meaning 'Brown'

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Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Brown Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Brown family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 4,432
Female Servant 3,736
Independent 2,583
Labourer 1,817
Male Servant 1,297
Farmer 1,279
Shoe Maker 722
Tailor 480
Carpenter 465
Dress Maker 465
Ag Labourer 450
Coal Miner 409
Weaver 397
Cotton Weaver 391
Blacksmith 305
Gardener 296
Butcher 261
Servant 244
Apprentice 226
Joiner 219
Grocer 206
Mariner 202
Clerk 198
Laundress 196
Pauper 193

Brown Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Brown 100% 1,208,004
2 Browne 83% 37,638
3 Brewin 67% 7,173
4 Brawn 80% 4,808
5 Browen 83% 516
6 Brwon 60% 512
7 Broune 67% 376
8 Borwn 60% 319
9 Brewen 67% 314
10 Browin 83% 204
11 Burwin 50% 191
12 Barwin 50% 112
13 Brownie 71% 100

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The surname Brown is the most popular version of all its varients

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