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 22,525
Agricultural Labourer 3,487
Labourer 3,098
Domestic Servant 1,493
General Servant 1,227
Coal Miner 1,174
Dress Maker 1,149
Laundress 862
Servant 768
House Keeper 734
Cotton Weaver 609
Annuitant 598
Carpenter 552
Gardener 531
Blacksmith 485
Farm Labourer 481
Tailor 476
Farm Servant 463
Shoe Maker 435
Cook 392
Joiner 350
Charwoman 324
Nurse 321
No Occupation 310
Wife Of Above 304

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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