Origin & Meaning of the Brown Surname
What does the last name Brown mean?
The surname Brown carries the meaning "Nickname for someone with brown hair, skin, or clothing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 1,437,026 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Brown ranks as the #4 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Brown come from?
The Brown surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Brown name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Brown trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Brown |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Nickname for someone with brown hair, skin, or clothing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,437,026 |
| Per 100K People | 487.16 |
| First Letter | B |
Ethnic Distribution of Brown
According to the US Census, the Brown surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,437,026 Americans with the Brown last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 57.95% |
| Black | 35.6% |
| Hispanic | 2.52% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.51% |
| Native American | 0.87% |
| Two or More Races | 2.55% |
Popularity of Brown Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Brown surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Brown surname increased by 56,881 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Brown
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Brown.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown
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