Brown is a common surname in English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. There has been some debate over whether Brown is primarily an Irish or Scottish surname. The history and origins of the name Brown provide insight into this question.
History and Origins
Brown originated as a nickname referring to people with brown hair, complexion, or clothing. It derives from the Old English word “brun” meaning brown. The name became common in Scotland and England during the Middle Ages. By the 12th century, Brun had become established as a surname in Scotland. The Gaelic form of the name is Broun.
Brown as an Irish Surname
Despite its origins in Britain, Brown also became a common surname in Ireland. Immigration of English and Scottish settlers to Ireland brought the name with them. The Anglo-Normans who arrived in Ireland following the 12th century Norman invasion were among those to introduce the surname.
Some Irish Gaelic families adopted Brown as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Ó Broin. Ó Broin stems from the Old Irish word “broen” meaning sorrow or sadness. While some Browns in Ireland have this Gaelic root, most Irish Browns are of English or Scottish origin.
By the 19th century, Brown was among the fifty most common surnames in Ireland. The 1911 census records over 15,500 individuals named Brown in Ireland and shows it retained popularity as an Irish name into the 20th century.
Brown as a Scottish Surname
While found across Britain, Brown truly established itself as a Scottish surname during the Middle Ages. Brun and Broun became common names across the Scottish Lowlands. The 13th century poet John Barbour mentioned the name in his poem The Brus about Robert the Bruce. This early literary reference confirms the name’s use in medieval Scotland.
Brown continues to be very prevalent in Scotland today. It ranks as the 4th most common surname in Scotland according to a 2019 study. The data shows over 54,500 people in Scotland bear the surname Brown. Only Smith, Wilson, and Robertson exceed it in popularity.
| Rank | Surname | Number of People |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Smith | 77,510 |
| 2 | Wilson | 59,235 |
| 3 | Robertson | 55,302 |
| 4 | Brown | 54,669 |
This data demonstrates Brown’s enduring popularity in Scotland. Its high ranking reflects a long history as a Scottish surname.
Brown as Both Irish and Scottish
The evidence shows Brown originated as a Scottish name, but later became common in Ireland as well. It has a well-established history as both an Irish and Scottish surname dating back many centuries.
The migration of families and cultural exchange between Scotland and Ireland allowed for the diffusion of names. This means Brown cannot be easily classified as just Irish or just Scottish. It is a shared surname with roots in both lands.
The high frequency of Brown in Ireland and Scotland continues into the present day. In both countries it remains among the top 20 most prevalent surnames according to census data. This indicates Brown has firmly rooted itself as a surname associated with both Irish and Scottish ancestry.
Noteworthy Brown Families
Many notable Irish and Scottish figures through history have borne the Brown surname. Here are some of the famous Brown families of Irish and Scottish origin:
Famous Irish Browns
– James Robert Brown – Irish nationalist leader and member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood in the late 1800s.
– Maureen Brown – Irish senator who served over 20 years from 1981 to 2002.
– Paddy Brown – Prominent Irish artist known for landscape and portrait paintings.
Famous Scottish Browns
– Gordon Brown – Served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2007 to 2010.
– George Brown – Scottish noble who was an early supporter of William Wallace during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
– George Mackay Brown – 20th century Scottish poet, author and dramatist who wrote in a Gaelic lyrical style.
This small sample demonstrates that Brown has been a surname of numerous prominent figures from both Irish and Scottish background over the centuries.
Brown in the United States
As Irish and Scottish families migrated across the Atlantic, the surname Brown also became common in the United States. It is currently the 4th most prevalent surname in America.
The United States census records over 2 million individuals with the last name Brown. American Browns derive from a mix of Irish, Scottish, and English ancestors who settled in the country. The name is common across the United States, rather than localized in any specific region.
Conclusion
In summary, historical records confirm Brown originated as a Scottish surname, but later grew common in Ireland as well through English and Scottish migration and assimilation. It has an entrenched history of use in both countries that continues today. Brown can rightly be considered both an Irish and Scottish surname given its centuries-old presence in Ireland and Scotland. The shared use and migration of the name between the two lands render it impossible to pin down as strictly Irish or Scottish. Brown remains a well-established surname among families from both Irish and Scottish backgrounds.