Brownlee Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Brownlee come from? What does the surname Brownlee mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Brownlee and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Brownlee Origin: What does the last name Brownlee mean?
The surname Brownlee is of English or Scottish origin, derived from the place names Brownlee in Lanarkshire or Brownley in Warwickshire. It first appeared in records from Scotland in the early 16th century. Over time, the surname grew in prominence in the United States from the 18th century onwards, with family records also found in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, indicating a global spread over the centuries.
YourRoots data confirms the significant presence of the Brownlee surname in the United Kingdom since the early 16th century. The name has expanded globally, with notable growth in the United States by the 20th century. Today, the Brownlee surname remains prominent in the United States and is also found in countries such as Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Scotland, showcasing its widespread distribution and rich history.
Brownlee Last Name History: Where did the last name Brownlee come from?
Origin of Brownlee Surname: Where does the last name Brownlee originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Brownlee first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Brownlee spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Brownlee: What does the Brownlee surname history look like in the early days?
The Brownlee surname remained closely associated with Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries, with notable growth in the United States from the 18th century onwards. YourRoots data also shows Brownlee family records in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Brownlee surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Brownlee surname grew significantly in the United States. The Brownlee surname remains prominent in the United States and also appears in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and Scotland.
Explore Brownlee last name heritage and Brownlee surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Brownlee Surame?
Marques Brownlee
Marques Keith Brownlee (Dec 3, 1993 - ) is an American YouTuber, influencer, and ultimate frisbee player known as MKBHD. He reviews technology devices and has over 19 million subscribers and 4.95 billion views. Brownlee won the Shorty Awards Creator of the Decade in 2018 and hosts the Waveform podcast. He also created the Retro Tech series and collaborated with brands like Atoms and Ridge. In controversies, he faced criticism for his Panels app and a speeding incident. With a strong online presence and influence in the tech industry, Brownlee continues to engage with his audience through various platforms.
Justin Brownlee
Justin Donta Brownlee (April 23, 1988 - ) is an American-Filipino professional basketball player known for his stints with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Brownlee has won multiple PBA championships and also played for San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League. With a career spanning various leagues and countries, including Lebanon, UAE, and Indonesia, Brownlee's versatility and skill on the court have solidified his reputation as a standout player in the international basketball scene.
Alistair Brownlee
Alistair Edward Brownlee (April 23, 1988) is an English former triathlete known for his incredible achievements in the sport. He made history by winning two Olympic gold medals in the individual triathlon event in 2012 and 2016. Brownlee is a four-time World Champion in triathlon, a four-time European Champion, and the 2014 Commonwealth champion. Alongside his younger brother Jonathan Brownlee, Alistair dominated the Olympic distance triathlon races in the 2010s. Highly regarded as one of the greatest male triathletes ever, Alistair Brownlee retired from triathlon in November 2024 after leaving a lasting mark on the sport.
Jonny Brownlee
Jonathan Callum Brownlee (April 30, 1990 - ) is an English professional duathlete and triathlete. He is a six-time World champion and one-time Olympic champion in triathlon, known for his success in various triathlon events. Brownlee, along with his brother Alistair, has dominated the triathlon scene and is considered one of the most decorated triathletes in Olympic history. His achievements include multiple World Championships and Olympic medals, solidifying his status as a top competitor in the sport. Brownlee continues to excel in triathlon competitions, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport.
Gerry Brownlee
Gerard Anthony Brownlee (born 4 Feb 1956) is a prominent New Zealand politician and the 32nd speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives. Representing the National Party, he held various senior positions within the government, including Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Brownlee also served as Deputy Leader of the National Party and became Father of the House in October 2022. Known for his long-standing career in politics, Brownlee has been actively involved in shaping New Zealand's governance and policies.
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