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Brown Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning

Where did the surname Brown come from? What does the surname Brown mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Brown and family migration on YourRoots Map.


Similar surnames:

Dunn, Borron, Broun, Browne, Browning, Brunson, Burnett, Erjavec

Surname Brown Origin: What does the last name Brown mean?

The surname Brown is of English origin and is primarily descriptive, referring to a person with brown hair, complexion, or clothing. It is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to East Lothian in Lowland Scotland. The name is derived from the Old English and Middle English words for "brown" or the Old French equivalent. It can also be a short form of compound names like Brungar or Brunwine.

YourRoots data indicates that the Brown surname has been present in the United Kingdom since the early 13th century, with a notable increase in records in the United States from the 16th century onwards. Today, the Brown surname is widespread not only in the US but also in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Jamaica. It has roots in Gaelic and German origins as well, showcasing its diverse etymology and global presence throughout history.

Brown Last Name History: Where did the last name Brown come from?

Origin of Brown Surname: Where does the last name Brown originate from?

The surname Brown first appears in YourRoots records in the United Kingdom, specifically in England, during the early 13th century. This reflects only the records available in the YourRoots database and pertains to the exact spelling "Brown," without considering any other sources or variations of the surname.

History of the Last Name Brown: What does the Brown surname history look like in the early days?

The "Brown" surname was consistently documented in England from the 13th to the 15th century. From the 16th century onwards, the United States emerged as a prominent location for the Brown surname. A marked increase in the frequency of records is observed in the United States during this period, according to the YourRoots database.

Global Spread: Where can we find the Brown surname today?

During the 16th century, the Brown surname started to become more prevalent in the United States and this trend continued until the 19th century. Although the frequency of the "Brown" surname in the United States has reduced in the 20th century according to the YourRoots database, it remains a common surname not just in the United States, but also in other parts of the world. The Brown surname is found in many countries today, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and Scotland.


Explore Brown last name heritage and Brown surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Brown surname origin, history, meaning based on YourRoots Map dataVIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME BROWN

Famous People With Brown Surame?

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Sterling K. Brown

    Sterling K. Brown

    Sterling Kelby Brown (April 5, 1976 - ) is an accomplished American actor known for his roles in major TV series like "This Is Us" and "The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story." Brown has won multiple Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for his outstanding performances.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Chris Brown

    Chris Brown

    Christopher Maurice Brown (May 5, 1989 - ) is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. Known for his R&B music, he has topped charts with hits like "Run It!" and "Kiss Kiss". Brown has also faced legal issues but continues to be a successful artist with numerous awards and accolades.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Jasmin Savoy Brown

    Jasmin Savoy Brown

    Jasmin Savoy Brown (born Mar 21, 1994) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV series like The Leftovers, For the People, and Yellowjackets. She also appeared in the Scream film franchise and provided voice work for Spider-Man: Miles Morales video game.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Jasmin Savoy Brown

    Jim Brown

    James Nathaniel Brown (Feb 17, 1936 – May 18, 2023) was an iconic American football player, civil rights activist, and actor. He played for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL and is considered one of the greatest running backs in history. Brown also excelled in lacrosse and was a trailblazer for African American athletes.

  • YourRoots Map_Surname_Famous People_Jasmin Savoy Brown

    Yvette Nicole Brown

    Yvette Nicole Brown (born Aug 12, 1971) is an American actress known for her roles in popular TV shows like Community and films such as Avengers: Endgame. She has also voiced characters in video games and hosted cosplay series. Brown has received accolades for her work, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

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