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
Scholar 18,296
Agricultural Labourer 4,273
Labourer 1,731
House Servant 1,391
Dress Maker 1,242
Coal Miner 1,161
Servant 909
Laundress 756
House Keeper 727
General Servant 678
Carter 569
Shoe Maker 496
Tailor 488
Blacksmith 468
Carpenter 454
Cotton Weaver 450
Cook 395
House Maid 393
Domestic Servant 371
Farm Labourer 366
Gardener 355
Nurse 285
Silk Weaver 264
Lace Maker 260
Farmer 244

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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