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 31,259
Agricultural Labourer 3,079
Coal Miner 1,965
General Labourer 1,809
Labourer 1,704
Domestic Servant 1,613
Dress Maker 1,485
General Servant 1,254
Laundress 952
Annuitant 785
Cotton Weaver 744
Farm Labourer 725
House Keeper 612
Carpenter 587
General Servant Domestic 551
Charwoman 520
Tailor 428
Servant 419
No Occupation 403
Gardener 369
Joiner 366
Bricklayer 362
Farmers Son 351
Shoe Maker 347
Farm Servant Indoor 331

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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