Show ContentsBrownwell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Brownwell

What does the name Brownwell mean?

The Brownwell surname is thought to be a habitational name, created from any of various places in England called Brownell. There was a Brownell in Yorkshire, in Cheshire, and in Staffordshire. These place names in turn come from the Old English "brun,"meaning "brown," and "hyll" meaning "a hill." 1

Early Origins of the Brownwell family

The surname Brownwell was first found in Derbyshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times. The Brownwell surname may even pre-date the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Brownwell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brownwell research. Another 59 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1275 and 1329 are included under the topic Early Brownwell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brownwell Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Brownell, Brounell, Brownel and others.

Early Notables of the Brownwell family

More information is included under the topic Early Brownwell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Brownwell family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Anne Brownell who settled in Massachusetts in 1630 with her husband Thomas.



  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print


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