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
General Labourer 2,468
Living On Own Means 2,296
General Servant Domestic 1,497
Dress Maker 1,367
Scholar 1,257
Farmer 1,141
Cotton Weaver 1,015
Cook Domestic 927
Coal Miner Hewer 867
Domestic Servant 830
Agricultural Labourer 647
Laundress Wash 596
Housemaid Domestic 561
Carpenter 556
Charwoman 499
Servant Domestic 455
Bricklayer 444
House Maid Domestic 421
School 421
Dressmaker 420
Ordinary Agricultural Labourer 399
Dock Labourer 395
Tailoress 384
Tailor 382
Gardener Domestic 368

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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