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 28,764
Coal Miner 2,850
General Labourer 2,775
Agricultural Labourer 2,480
Domestic Servant 1,774
Dress Maker 1,665
Labourer 1,562
Living On Own Means 1,361
Farmer 1,221
Cotton Weaver 1,115
Living On Her Own Means 1,028
General Servant Domestic 1,026
General Servant 1,004
Laundress 956
Farm Labourer 798
House Keeper 658
Carpenter 617
Clerk 589
Gardener 585
Blacksmith 582
Farm Servant 505
Grocer 488
General Domestic Servant 472
Tailor 459
Joiner 422

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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