The last name "Brown" originated as a descriptive surname in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It referred to a person with brown hair, brown complexion, or someone who wore brown clothing. In Old English, "brun" meant brown, and this word found its way into various dialects as surnames evolved. Over time, the name spread across different regions, and today it is one of the most common English surnames.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Brown

In terms of ethnic identity, the Decennial U.S. Census data indicates that the distribution of the surname Brown across different ethnic groups experienced some shifts between 2000 and 2010. The largest growth was seen among Hispanic bearers of the surname, which increased by 53.66%. The “two or more races” category also saw a significant increase of 37.10%. While individuals of Asian/Pacific Islander descent and American Indian and Alaskan Native origin bearing the surname Brown increased by 24.39% and 4.82% respectively, the surname's prevalence among White individuals decreased by 4.55%. Notably, the Black community maintained a steady increase of 3.07%, reaching 35.60% in 2010.

	2000	2010	Change
White	60.71%	57.95%	-4.55%
Black	34.54%	35.6%	3.07%
Two or More Races	1.86%	2.55%	37.1%
Hispanic	1.64%	2.52%	53.66%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	0.83%	0.87%	4.82%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.41%	0.51%	24.39%

Brown ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Brown is British & Irish, which comprises 49.6% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (21.3%) and Nigerian (4.9%). Additional ancestries include Eastern European, Scandinavian, Ghanaian, Liberian & Sierra Leonean, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Italian.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	49.6%
French & German	21.3%
Nigerian	4.9%
Other	24.2%

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Brown

The meaning and origin of the last name Brown

The surname Brown has its origins in England and Scotland, and it is derived from the Old English word "brun" or "brunne," meaning "brown" or "dark-skinned." It was used as a descriptive term to identify people with brown hair, brown eyes, or a brown complexion. The surname first appeared in written records in the 11th century and quickly spread across the British Isles due to its prevalence and popularity. Over time, many individuals with the surname Brown migrated to other parts of the world, particularly during periods of colonization and emigration. As a result, it is now one of the most common surnames found in English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The versatility and simplicity of the surname Brown have contributed to its enduring popularity and widespread usage among diverse populations around the globe.

Geographical distribution of the last name Brown

The last name Brown has a widespread geographical distribution, primarily found in countries with English-speaking populations. It is particularly prevalent in the United States, where it ranks as one of the most common surnames. The name has a rich history in regions such as England, Scotland, and Ireland, where it originated from occupations related to the color brown or the brown-haired individuals. In England, the county of Yorkshire is known to have a high concentration of Browns. Australia also boasts a significant number of individuals with the surname Brown due to its British colonial history. Other countries with notable populations of Browns include Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa, as well as various Caribbean and South American countries influenced by English migration and colonization. Overall, the surname Brown demonstrates a global presence, reflecting the diverse English-speaking populations across several continents.

Variants and spellings of the last name Brown

The last name Brown has various variations and spellings that have evolved over time. Some common variations include Browne, Braun, Brawn, and Browning. These variations can be attributed to regional differences, dialects, or anglicized versions of the name. For instance, Browne is an alternative spelling often found in Irish and Scottish heritage, while Braun has German origins. Brawn, on the other hand, may be used to denote strength or power and could potentially be an altered version of Brown. Additionally, Browning is a name derived from Brown and typically indicates a patronymic form, suggesting descent from someone named Brown. Overall, variations and spellings of the last name Brown highlight the diversity and adaptation of the name across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Brown

Brown is a surname shared by numerous famous individuals across various fields. Starting in the world of music, James Brown, fondly known as the "Godfather of Soul," was a pioneer in the development of funk and soul music, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture. In the literary realm, Dan Brown authored the widely acclaimed thriller novel "The Da Vinci Code," captivating audiences with his intricate storytelling. Moving to the big screen, actor and filmmaker Sterling K. Brown has garnered critical acclaim for his role in the television series "This Is Us" and the film "Black Panther." Additionally, in the field of athletics, former professional boxer Larry Brown held multiple welterweight titles throughout his career, while Olympic gold medalist swimmer Jason Lezak achieved legendary status in the pool. These extraordinary individuals with the last name Brown have made their mark in their respective fields and continue to inspire others with their talents and achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Brown

The last name Brown is a common surname with English origins. Its etymology can be traced back to the Old English word "brūn," meaning the color brown or dark-skinned. Genealogical research on the Brown name reveals a vast and diverse family history. Descendants with this surname are found worldwide, although significant concentrations can be found in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Many early Brown families migrated from England to the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries, establishing branches across the new land. Notable individuals bearing the Brown surname include John Brown, an abolitionist during the United States Civil War, and James Brown, a prominent American musician. As a result of the extensive spread and history of the Brown name, tracing individual family lineages often requires detailed and meticulous genealogical research.

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