Show ContentsBrown History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Brown Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Brown

What does the name Brown mean?

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

  • 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
  • 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

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

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.

Brown migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Miss Kezia Brown, (1771 - 1854), aged 17, British convict convicted in Gloucestershire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 17
  • Mr. James Brown, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 18
  • Mr. John Brown, (1760 - 1835), aged 29, British settler convicted in Cambridgeshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 14 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 18
  • Mr. John Brown, (b. 1764), aged 25, British settler convicted in London, England in 1788, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 18
  • Miss Martha Brown, British settler convicted in Essex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 18
Second Fleet
  • Mr. Charles Brown, British settler convicted in Warwickshire, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 18
  • Mr. George Brown, British settler convicted in Northumberland, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 18
  • Mr. John Brown, (1741 - 1821), aged 49, British settler convicted in Shrewsbury (Salop), England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Matilda" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 18
  • Mr. John Brown, British settler convicted in Yorkshire, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Matilda" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 18
  • Mr. John Brown, British settler convicted in Kent, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for petty larceny, transported aboard the ship "Albermarle" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 18
Third Fleet
  • Mr. James Brown, (b. 1762), aged 25, English labourer convicted in Hertford, Hertfordshire on 2nd March 1785, sentenced for 7 years for stealing animals, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 18
  • Mr. William French Brown, (b. 1757), aged 30, English settler convicted in Southwark, London on 10th January 1786, sentenced for 7 years for stealing food, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 18
  • Mr. Richard Brown, (b. 1751), aged 36, English settler convicted in Abingdon, Oxfordshire on 15th July 1783, sentenced for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 18
  • Mr. Thomas Brown, (b. 1764), aged 23, English settler convicted in London on 24th May 1784, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 18
  • Mr. Thomas Brown, (b. 1762), aged 25, English settler convicted in Exeter, Devon on 10th September 1783, sentenced for 7 years for returning from transport, transported aboard the ship "Charlotte" leaving on 13th May 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 22nd January 1788 18
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Brown Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
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 20
  • 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 20
  • 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 21
  • 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 21
  • 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 21
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

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 22
  • 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 22
  • Mr. Brown, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Dublin Packet" arriving in Cloudy Bay, South Island, New Zealand in 1838 22
  • Samuel Brown, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Brown migration to Canada +

Brown Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Geo Brown, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • William Brown, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Danl Brown, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • David Brown, who arrived 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
  • James Brown, aged 63, Scottish mason who landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1815-1816 23
  • William Brown, who arrived in Canada in 1820
  • Andrew Brown, who arrived in Canada in 1821
  • William Brown, aged 16, who arrived in Canada in 1823
  • ... (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

Brown migration to the United States +



Brown Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Abraham Brown, who arrived in Watertown, Massachusetts in 1630 23
  • 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 24
  • 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 24
  • Edward Brown, who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1635 23
  • Edmund Brown, who arrived in New England in 1637 23
  • ... (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 23
  • Duksell Brown, who landed in Virginia in 1701 23
  • Bridgett Brown, who landed in Virginia in 1713 23
  • Ellen Brown, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 23
  • Christ Brown, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1729 23
  • ... (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 23
  • Biddy Brown, aged 38, who landed in America in 1803 23
  • Barbara Brown, aged 18, who landed in New York, NY in 1804 23
  • Widow Brown, aged 60, who arrived in New York, NY in 1804 23
  • Easter Brown, aged 20, who landed in New York, NY in 1804 23
  • ... (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 25
  • 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 25
  • Mr. David Brown, (b. 1867), aged 33, Cornish labourer travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th September 1900 en route to New York, USA 25
  • Miss Annie Brown, (b. 1896), aged 4, Cornish settler travelling aboard the ship "St Louis" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 8th September 1900 en route to New York, USA 25
  • 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 25
  • ... (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
  • Marvin Robert Brown (1983-2025), English football forward, owner of elite sports coaching company Total Pro Soccer
  • John Brown (1947-2024), English footballer who played as a goalkeeper for Preston North End, Stockport County, Wigan Athletic and Macclesfield Town (1964-1983)
  • Peter Ronald Brown (1940-2023), English performance poet, lyricist, and singer best known for his collaborations with Cream and Jack Bruce, best known for writing Cream's "I Feel Free", "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room"
  • Duggie Brown (1940-2022), born Barry Dudley, an English comedian and actor, perhaps best known for his role as George Freeman in Coronation Street
  • ... (Another 199 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 26
  • Solomon Brown (b. 1815), British passenger aboard the ship "Cataraqui" when sailing for Melbourne, Australia she struck rocks of Kings Island and sank on 4th April 1845, he survived
  • Hannah Brown (b. 1805), British passenger who died aboard the ship "Cataraqui" when sailing for Melbourne, Australia she struck rocks of Kings Island and sank on 4th April 1845
  • Ellen Brown (b. 1831), British passenger who died aboard the ship "Cataraqui" when sailing for Melbourne, Australia she struck rocks of Kings Island and sank on 4th April 1845
  • Phoebe Brown (b. 1837), British passenger who died aboard the ship "Cataraqui" when sailing for Melbourne, Australia she struck rocks of Kings Island and sank on 4th April 1845
  • ... (Another 117 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.
  6. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  7. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  10. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  11. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  12. "The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
  13. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  14. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  15. http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
  16. "Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
  17. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 29th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/barwell
  19. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th October 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/Britannia
  20. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  21. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  22. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  23. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  24. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  25. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  26. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550

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