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 12,763
Agricultural Labourer 3,845
House Servant 2,036
Labourer 1,852
At Home 1,395
Servant 1,107
Dress Maker 1,060
Farm Labourer 988
Coal Miner 782
Laundress 618
Annuitant 592
General Servant 578
House Keeper 511
Shoe Maker 490
Pauper 474
Carpenter 442
Tailor 438
Blacksmith 396
Farm Servant 375
Gardener 359
Errand Boy 329
Scholar At Home 298
Cook 279
Lace Maker 270
Butcher 259

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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