Irish Surname - Brown or Browne
This surname is common in both England and Ireland, but the variant surname 'Browne' is associated more with Ireland.
Originating from the Olde English, Norse-Viking and Anglo-Saxon pre 7th century word "brun" it generally referred to the colour of the person's hair, complexion or garments.
The Browne family arrived in Ireland in 1170 in Strongbow's time, and were soon established in Galway and Mayo. The surname is still well represented in these two counties and is also one of the legendary 'Tribes of Galway'.
The Galway Brownes (Lords Oranmore) are descendants of a 12th Century Anglo-Norman invader called "Le Brun", while the Brownes of Killarney (Lords Kenmare) are descended from an Elizabethan settler.
Browne is now the 5th most common surname in England and the first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William le Brun, dated 1169, in the Northumberland county pipe rolls. Interesting early recordings of the surname include Anthony Browne, the 1st Lord Montague (1526 - 1592).
Famous People with the Browne Surname
Amongst the very earliest of settlers to the new colonies of America was Edward Browne, who emigrated from London to Virginia in September 1635. Today Browne is the 6th most popular surname in the United States and the second most common surname among African Americans.
Alternate Surname Spellings for Browne
The Irish Brown families are most commonly found in the province of Connacht (specifically Galway and Mayo), as well as Kerry.
Browne, Braun, Broun, Bruen, Bruun, Bruan, Brun, Bruene, Brohn
DNA And Your Irish Roots
- DNA and your Irish Heritage
- DNA, Discovery and Functions
- Types of DNA tests
- DNA testing companies
- Y-chromosome and Father's Ancestral Line
- Mitochondrial DNA and Mother's Ancestral Line
- DNA and Ethnicity
