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Show ContentsBrown History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The Brown family name is thought to be of Norman origins. It comes from an early member of the family who was a person who has brown hair or brown eyes, or dresses habitually in brown. 1

The name springs from similar roots in Old English, Old English, Old Norse, Old French, Old German. It is also possible that a given instance of the name is derived from a short form of an Old English personal name such as Brunwine or Brungar.

Early Origins of the Brown family

The surname Brown was first found in Cumberland, where the Brown family held a family seat and claim descent from Le Brun in Normandy, who was granted many estates there soon after the Conquest. However, many of the family remained in Normandy where Gilbert and William le Brun were listed in 1185 according to the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae. 2

"This ancient and wide-spreading name, which occurs in early writings in a great variety of forms, as Le Brun, de Bron, Broun, Brune, Brunn, &c., stands 50th on the Battle Roll, and has the peculiar distinction of having produced twenty-one different families in the United Kingdom, who have received from the Sovereign hereditary titles of Nobility." 3

"As Le Brun or Brunnus, it frequently occurs in the Norman Exchequer Rolls of the twelfth century, and is several times written in Domesday Book. William le Brun held in Suffolk; and Bruno (perhaps the same) in Warwickshire: besides "Brun Presbyter" in Oxfordshire. 4

"Of these, the most considerable-that of the Viscounts Montague-was an offset of the great Norman house of La Ferte, who held the barony of La Ferte (now La Ferte Fresnel) near Evreux. Hugh de la Ferte is mentioned by Wace at Hastings. Richard de la Ferte accompanied Robert of Normandy to Palestine in 1096, and his youngest son, Gamel, surnamed Le Brun (according to family tradition to distinguish him from a brother called Le Blond), settled in Cumberland, where he had baronial grants from Waldeve FitzGospatric, and his descendants long flourished, the name gradually changing to Broyne, Broun, or Browne." 4

Some of the family were found at early times at Tacolneston in Norfolk where they held estates. "The Hall, a fine brick mansion, is a good specimen of the domestic style prevalent in the 17th century; it is said to have been built in 1670, by the Browne family, who then held the estate." 5

Another branch was found in the parish of Thrigby, again in Norfolk. "The principal part [of Thrigby] belongs to Thomas Browne, Esq., who resides at the Hall, a neat mansion of white brick." 5

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 eludes to the use of the name in a variety of early spelling and as a forename and surname: Brun Ednth, Salop; Matilda relicta Brun, Oxfordshire; and Brune relicta Johannis, Cambridgeshire; Hugh le Brun, Suffolk; Robert le Brun, Buckinghamshire; and Johanna la Brune, Oxfordshire. 6

Up north in Scotland, the family are generally though to have migrated there from Cumberland. "Gamel, son of Brun came into possession of Bothel (now Boode) in the time of Henry I (1100-1135). Gilchrist, son of Bruun witnessed a charter by R. son of Dunegal to the Hospital of S. Peter of York c. 1136, Patric Brun witnessed resignation of land of Weremundebi (Warmanbie in Annandale) and Anant between 1194-1214. Ricardus Brun witnessed a charter by Ebrardus de Penkathleht (Pencaitland near Edinburgh) to the church of S. Cuthbert of Durham in the reign of William the Lion. Several individuals of this name are recorded in the thirteenth century, but what connection, if any, existed between them is not known." 7

Early History of the Brown family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brown research. Another 99 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1317, 1339, 1439, 1443, 1506, 1598, 1605, 1610, 1616, 1626, 1634, 1641, 1642, 1659, 1660, 1661, 1668, 1669, 1682, 1684, 1685, 1688, 1690, 1702, 1721, 1735 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Brown History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brown Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Brown, Broun, Brun and others.

Early Notables of the Brown family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

  • Sir Anthony Browne (1443-1506), during the reign of King Henry VII, he was Standard Bearer of England, Governor of Queenborough Castle, and Constable of Calais
  • Sir Richard Browne, 1st Baronet (ca. 1610-1669), English Major-General in the English Parliamentary Army during the English Civil War and later Lord Mayor of London
  • Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682), an English author
  • Francis Browne, 3rd Viscount Montagu (1610-1682)
  • Sir Richard Browne, 1st Baronet of Deptford (ca. 1605-1682), an English ambassador to the court of France at Paris from 1641 to 1660
  • Sir Richard Browne, 2nd Baronet (ca.1634-1684), English barrister and politician, Member of Parliament for Wycombe (1660-1661)
  • James Browne or Brown (1616-1685), an English theologian
  • Anthony Brown, Lord Mayor of London
  • Sir Ambrose Browne, 1st Baronet (died 1661), an English politician
  • Sir Adam Browne, 2nd Baronet of Betchworth Castle (c. 1626-1690), an English politician
  • Ambrose Browne (1659-1688), an English politician
  • Samuel Browne (c. 1598-1668), of Arlesey, Bedfordshire, Member of Parliament during the English Civil War and the First Commonwealth who supported the Parliamentary cause

Brown World Ranking

In the United States, the name Brown is the 5th most popular surname with an estimated 1,544,427 people with that name. 8 However, in Canada, the name Brown is ranked the 2nd most popular surname with an estimated 108,859 people with that name. 9 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Brown is the 350th popular surname. 10 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Brown as 8th with 1,140 people. 11 France ranks Brown as 1,837th with 3,343 people. 12 Australia ranks Brown as 4th with 105,078 people. 13 New Zealand ranks Brown as 4th with 8,365 people. 14 The United Kingdom ranks Brown as 3rd with 272,112 people. 15 South Africa ranks Brown as 189th with 34,381 people. 16

Ireland Migration of the Brown family to Ireland

Some of the Brown family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 68 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Brown migration to the United States +

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Brown or a variant listed above:

Brown Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Abraham Brown, who arrived in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1630 17
  • Mr. John Brown, British settler, from London who sailed from Isle of Wight arriving in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Talbot" as part of the Winthrop Fleet 18
  • Mr. Samuel Brown, British settler, from London who sailed from Isle of Wight arriving in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Talbot" as part of the Winthrop Fleet 18
  • Edward Brown, who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1635 17
  • Edmund Brown, who arrived in New England in 1637 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Brown Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Ellinor Brown, who arrived in Virginia in 1700 17
  • Duksell Brown, who landed in Virginia in 1701 17
  • Bridgett Brown, who landed in Virginia in 1713 17
  • Ellen Brown, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 17
  • Arthur Brown, who arrived in New England in 1729 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Brown Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Godlip Brown, who landed in New York in 1801 17
  • Biddy Brown, aged 38, who landed in America in 1803 17
  • Barbara Brown, aged 18, who landed in New York, NY in 1804 17
  • Widow Brown, aged 60, who arrived in New York, NY in 1804 17
  • Hamilton Brown, aged 35, who arrived in New York, NY in 1804 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Brown Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Richard Brown, (b. 1865), aged 35, Cornish quarryman travelling aboard the ship "Servia" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 12th September 1900 en route to Bangor, Pennsylvania, USA 19
  • Mr. William Brown, (b. 1897), aged 3, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th September 1900 en route to New York, USA 19
  • Mr. Louis Brown, (b. 1895), aged 5, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th September 1900 en route to New York, USA 19
  • Mr. Nathan Brown, (b. 1899), aged 11 months, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th September 1900 en route to New York, USA 19
  • Mrs. Nellie Brown, (b. 1873), aged 27, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th September 1900 en route to New York, USA 19
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Brown migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Brown Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Brown, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
  • Danl Brown, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • David Brown, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Edward Brown, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Francis Brown, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Brown Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • William Brown, aged 20, who arrived in Canada in 1811
  • William Brown, aged 20, who landed in Canada in 1811
  • James Brown, aged 63, Scottish mason who landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1815-1816 17
  • William Brown, who arrived in Canada in 1820
  • Andrew Brown, who arrived in Canada in 1821
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Brown Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • H Brown, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Australia Brown migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Brown Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
  • Mr. John Brown, English convict who was convicted in York, Yorkshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 20
  • Mr. William Brown, English convict who was convicted in Leicester, Leicestershire, England for life, transported aboard the "Barwell" in September 1797, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 20
  • Miss Mary Brown, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England fo life, transported aboard the "Britannia III" on 18th July 1798, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 21
  • Miss Mary Brown, English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years , transported aboard the "Britannia III" on 18th July 1798, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 21
  • Miss Sarah Brown, (Wilson), English convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years , transported aboard the "Britannia III" on 18th July 1798, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 21
Brown Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. John Brown, (b. 1778), aged 22, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for breaking and entering, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1828 22
  • Mr. Joseph Brown, (John), British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 22
  • Mr. John Brown, Irish convict who was convicted in Limerick, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 23
  • Mr. Thomas Brown, Irish convict who was convicted in Limerick, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, believed to have died on board 23
  • Mr. William Brown, Irish convict who was convicted in Ireland, Wexford for life, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 29th November 1801, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 23
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Brown migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Brown Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. William Brown, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1833 24
  • Alfred N Brown, who landed in Bay of Islands, New Zealand in 1836
  • Mr. Brown, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Bee" arriving in New Zealand in 1838 24
  • Mr. Brown, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Dublin Packet" arriving in Cloudy Bay, South Island, New Zealand in 1838 24
  • Mr. Charles Brown, (b. 1811), aged 29, British stonemason travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 24
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Brown (post 1700) +

  • Millie Bobby Brown (b. 2004), British Primetime Emmy Award nominated actress and producer, known for playing Eleven in the Netflix science fiction series Stranger Things (2016-), and the Netflix mystery films Enola Holmes (2020 and 2022)
  • Irving Brown (1911-1989), American trade-unionist, member of the American Federation of Labor, co-founder of the American Institute for Free Labor Development in 1962, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
  • John Brown "of Ossawatomie" (1800-1859), American hero of Harper's Ferry and martyr to the Abolitionists, who in inciting Negro slaves to rebellion in 1859 struck the note of alarm which resulted in the Civil War
  • Herbert Charles Brown (b. 1912), American chemist and Nobel Prize in Chemistry laureate for his work with organoboranes
  • Lester Raymond "Les" Brown (1912-2001), American jazz musician who led the big band Les Brown and His Band of Renown for nearly seven decades from 1938 to 2000, renowned for "Sentimental Journey" with Doris Day, and "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm", the Band of Renown performed with Bob Hope on radio, stage and television for almost fifty years and did 18 USO Tours
  • Larry Leslie Brown (1940-2024), American professional baseball infielder
  • Dean Brown (1955-2024), American jazz fusion guitarist and session musician
  • Tod David Brown (1936-2023), American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church
  • Robert Stanford "Bob" Brown (1941-2023), nicknamed "the Boomer", an American professional NFL football offensive tackle who played from 1964 through 1973, inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004
  • James Nathaniel "Jim" Brown (1936-2023), American NFL football fullback, civil rights activist, and actor, one of the greatest players in NFL history, three-time Most Valuable Player, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame
  • ... (Another 155 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Johnny L Brown (1965-1985), American Private 1st Class from Sumter, South Carolina, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 25
Empress of Ireland
  • Mr. John Brown, British Assistant Steward from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 26
  • Mr. William Brown, British Seaman from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 26
  • Mr. Patrick Brown, British Trimmer from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland (1914) and survived the sinking 26
  • Miss Alice Brown (d. 1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 27
  • Mr. Archie Brown, Canadian Third Class Passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada who survived the sinking on the Empress of Ireland (1914) 27
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Halifax Explosion
  • Miss Jane May  Brown (1909-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 28
  • Mr. James  Brown (1910-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 28
  • Mrs. Adelia A.  Brown (1867-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 28
  • Mrs. Laura May  Brown (1878-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who survived the Halifax Explosion (1917) but later died due to injuries 28
  • Mr. William  Brown, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 28
  • ... (Another 4 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hillcrest Coal Mine
  • Mr. William Brown (1874-1914), American Machinist from Stark, Ohio, United States who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 29
  • Mr. Thomas William Brown (1880-1914), Welsh Miner from The Watton, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 29
  • Mr. John Brown (1883-1914), English Pumpman from Low Spen, Durham County, England, United Kingdom who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 29
Hillsborough disaster
  • David Steven Brown (1964-1989), English machine operator who was attending the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, Yorkshire when the stand allocated area became overcrowded and 96 people were crushed in what became known as the Hillsborough disaster and he died from his injuries 30
  • Carl Brown (1971-1989), English student who was attending the FA Cup semi-final at Hillsborough Stadium, in Sheffield, Yorkshire when the stand allocated area became overcrowded and 96 people were crushed in what became known as the Hillsborough disaster and he died from his injuries 30
HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Thomas Garton Brown (1920-1941), Australian Lieutenant from Sandringham, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 31
HMS Cornwall
  • William Eric Brown (d. 1942), British Mechanician 1st Class aboard the HMS Cornwall when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 32
  • Rupert Edward Ellis Brown, British Sub Lieutenant aboard the HMS Cornwall (1942) when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he survived the sinking 32
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Robert K Brown (b. 1921), English Stoker Petty Officer serving for the Royal Navy from Sunderland, County Durham, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. John L Brown (b. 1908), English Leading Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Hull, Yorkshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. Henry J Brown (b. 1901), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Croydon, Surrey, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. George W Brown (b. 1915), English Steward serving for the Royal Navy from Newington, Yorkshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • Mr. Eric F Brown (b. 1922), English Boy 1st Class serving for the Royal Navy from Plaidstow, Essex, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 33
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Robert S Brown, British Engine Room Artificer 5th Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 34
  • Mr. Robert William Charles Brown, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 34
  • Mr. Joseph Henry Brown, British Chief Petty Officer Writer, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 34
  • Mr. John Robert Hernaman Brown, British Leading Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 34
  • Mr. John Brown, British Corporal, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 34
  • ... (Another 4 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Thomas William Brown, British Boy, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking, but was killed in action in 1942 35
  • Mr. Stanley E Brown, British Able Bodied Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 35
  • Mr. Edward Brown, British Stoker, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 35
  • Mr. Donald Brown, British Ordinary Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 35
  • Mr. Brown, British Midshipman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking 35
  • ... (Another 5 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
HMS Royal Oak
  • John Brown, British Stoker 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 36
  • John Brown (1915-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 36
  • Henry William Brown (1903-1939), British Petty Officer with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 36
  • Harold Brown (1918-1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 36
  • Allen D. Brown, British Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 36
  • ... (Another 2 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Lady of the Lake
  • Mr. William Brown (b. 1812), Irish labourer from Limavady, Northern Ireland who sailed aboard the "Lady of the Lake" from Greenock, Scotland on 8th April 1833 to Quebec, Canada when the ship hit ice and sunk of the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th May 1833 and he died in the sinking
North Sea Flood
  • Samuel Harris Brown, British traveler aboard the ferry "Princess Victoria" killed in the North Sea Flood, a major storm surge in 1953
Prince of Wales colliery
  • Mr. James Brown (b. 1851), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 37
  • Mr. William Brown (b. 1864), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 37
  • Mr. Frederick Brown (b. 1853), Welsh coal miner who was working at the Prince of Wales Colliery in Abercarn, Wales on the 11th September 1878 when there was a coal mine explosion; he died 37
RMS Lusitania
  • Miss Evelyn Brown, American 3rd Class passenger from Philadephia, Pennsylvania, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 38
  • Miss Constance Brown, American 3rd Class passenger from Philadephia, Pennsylvania, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 38
  • Mr. William Brown, Canadian 3rd Class passenger from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 38
  • Mr. Daniel Taylor Brown, American 2nd Class passenger from Los Angeles, California, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 38
  • Mr. John Manson George Brown, English Joiner from Walton, Liverpool, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 39
  • ... (Another 6 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. Edward Brown, aged 34, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking by escaping in collapsible A 40
  • Mr. Walter James Brown (d. 1912), aged 28, English Saloon Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 40
  • Mr. John Brown (d. 1912), aged 25, English Fireman/Stoker from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic, died in the sinking and was recovered by CS Mackay-Bennett 40
  • Mr. Joseph James Brown (d. 1912), aged 25, English Fireman/Stoker from Eastleigh, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 40
  • Mr. Thomas William Solomon Brown (d. 1912), aged 60, South African Second Class passenger from Cape Town, South Africa who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 40
  • ... (Another 5 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Senghenydd colliery
  • Mr. Charles Brown (b. 1882), Welsh coal miner from Senghenydd, Caerphilly, Wales who was working at the Senghenydd colliery when there was an explosion on the 14th October 1913; he died
SS Atlantic
  • Mr. James Brown, British crew member who was aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, survived the sinking
SS Caribou
  • Mr. Harvey Brown, (Harry), Newfoundland passenger who was Royal Navy 2nd Engineer from Greenspond, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he survived the sinking
  • Mr. F. W. Brown, British passenger who was Royal Air Force was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he survived the sinking
SS Newfoundland
  • Mr. Robert Brown (1893-1914), Newfoundlander from Fair Island, who on the 30th March 1914 he was part of the Seal Crew of the "SS Newfoundland" leaving the ship to intercept the Stephano which took him to the hunting grounds, he disembarked to begin sealing, but was caught in a thickening storm, attempting to return to the Newfoundland he and the 132 crew made camp for two days the sealers were stranded on the ice in a blizzard attempting to return to the ship, he died during this time
St. Francis Dam
  • Mrs. Lucy Brown, American resident in Santa Clarita who survived when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928
  • Child 1 Brown, American resident in Santa Clarita who survived when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928 had injuries
  • Child 2 Brown, American resident in Santa Clarita who survived when the St. Francis Dam failed and flooded the area in 1928 had injuries
Triangle Waist Company
  • Mr. Louis Brown, American who was working at Triangle Waist Company factory at the Asch building in Greenwich Village on the 25th March 1911 when fire broke out; he survived the fire 41
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Gene R. Brown, American Seaman First Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 42
  • Mr. William Howard Brown, American Seaman Second Class from Oregon, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 42
  • Mr. Charles Martin Brown, American Seaman Second Class from California, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 42
  • Mr. Elwyn Leroy Brown, American Electrician's Mate Third Class from Kansas, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 42
  • Mr. Frank George Brown, American Quartermaster Third Class from Oregon, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 42
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Brown Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Floreat majestas
Motto Translation: Let majesty flourish

Suggested Readings for the name Brown +

  • Burgess, Mullins, Browning, Brown, and Allied Families by James A. Burgess.
  • Ancestors and Descendants of Henry Marion Murphy and Anna Jane Brown by Lera Murphy Johnson.
  • Brown and Sayre Ancestry; Three Centuries in Northern New Jersey by Mortimer Freeman Sayre.
  • Brown (Browne) and the Descendants in Carolina Today by Joseph Parsons Brown.
  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  3. Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
  4. Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 1 of 3
  5. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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