An English, Irish and Scottish surname it refers to a color of the individual's complexion, color of hair or clothing. In Middle English the term ‘brum‘ meant the color brown. The Gaelic form of ‘donn’ means brown.

The various forms of spelling Brown include Bruen, Browne, Brohn, Brun, Braun, Bruun, Bruene, Broun and Bruan.

Many African-Americans have the Brown surname, so taken from the abolitionist, John Brown, who fought against slavery. The Brown surname is found in the United States, England, Scotland and Ireland.

Famous: Margaret ‘Molly’ T. Brown (survivor of the RMS Titanic), John Brown (abolitionist against slavery), Moses Brown (American inventor), Robert Brown (actor), Alice Brown (novelist), Julie Brown (singer and actress), Gordon Brown (U. K. prime minister), Jerry Brown (governor of California), David Brown (professional golfer of Scotland) and Louise Brown (first test-tube baby).