Surname Broun - Meaning and Origin
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Broun: What does the surname Broun mean?
The last name Broun can be traced to Scotland, where the Scots-Gaelic word "brun" (meaning "brown"), was used as a surname. This is evident in its numerous variants, including Brown, Browne, and Bruin.
The name is believed to have originated as a descriptive nickname for a person who was physically distinguished by their brown hair, beard, or complexion. Alternately, some have suggested it may have derived from a location of dark-colored soil or water known as "The Brown".
In Scotland, the Broun family was associated with Aberdeenshire, where the earliest written reference to the name dates from the 13th century. Later, they became an established Clan and played an important part in the wars of Scottish independence throughout the Middle Ages.
Throughout the centuries, the Broun family has dispersed to America, Australia, and France. Past and present, the name Broun is a reminder of the prominent history and proud achievements of this ancient and distinguished Clan. To be known as a Broun is to be associated with strong people who faced historical challenges with a resilient spirit and unwavering fortitude.
Order DNA origin analysisBroun: Where does the name Broun come from?
The last name Broun is most commonly found today in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is possible that the name originated as a family name among a single lineage of the same family tree, however it is likely that the name can be traced to an older source given its geographical spread.
In England the name has a strong presence in the city of London, likely due to immigration and population growth during the 19th century. Elsewhere in the UK the name is most commonly found in Wales and Scotland. In Wales the Broun name is most common in Cardiff and the surrounding regions. Similarly, in Scotland the name is mainly concentrated in the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, indicating a larger Scottish diaspora.
In Ireland the last name Broun is most commonly seen throughout the country. It has been suggested that the name derived from the phrase "brown esquire" and thus implies an aristocratic background. The name is particularly common in the eastern province of Leinster, with counties such as Dublin and Meath at the forefront of Broun surnames.
It is possible to trace the origins and migrations of the Broun name further back in time, with a documented presence in French literature from around the 16th century. Today it is likely that the Broun name is most heavily concentrated in the English speaking countries of the United Kingdom and Ireland but may be seen in other parts of the world, particularly in North America, Australia and New Zealand, due to immigration patterns from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Variations of the surname Broun
The surname Broun is an Anglicised version of the Scottish and Irish surname ‘Brown’. It is a patronymic name and the Middle English derivatives of this surname are ‘Broune’ and ‘Broun’. The surname Broun is found in Scotland, Ireland, and parts of England.
Variations of the surname Broun include Browne, Broune, Bruen, Brine, Bryne, and Bryn. Spellings of the surname Broun include Broun, Broune, Bruen, Brine, Bryne, and Bryn; all of which have the same origin.
Browne, Broune, Bruen, Brine, and Bryne are found more following emigration from Scotland and Ireland. These are mainly found in United States and Canada. Broun is also found in Australia following emigration from Scotland and Ireland in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The surname Broun and its variants have many different spellings, owing to the diversity of languages and dialects found in Scotland and Ireland over the years. Examples of these include Brone, Brende, Breene, and Brun. All of these spellings and variants have the same origin and meaning: derived from the Middle English ‘ Brown’ and meaning ‘bright’ or ‘shining’.
The surname Broun also has many variants originating from other European countries. Broun is found in Slovenia, found as ‘Brun’ or ‘Brunič’; and in Austria, found as ‘Brun’. It is also found in Germany as ‘Braun’ or ‘Braune’, in France as ‘Brun’ or ‘Brune’, and in the Netherlands as ‘Bruin’ or ‘Bruijn’. In addition, there are Broun variants found in Spain as ‘Brun’ and in Hungary as ‘Brun’ or ‘Bruni’.
Famous people with the name Broun
1.Charles Broun Jr.: Charles Broun, Jr. is an American film screenwriter, producer, and director. He has written and produced several films, including "One For the Money," "Purchase Intent," and "Eerily Normal." 2.Kirk Broun: Kirk Broun is an American actor best known for his roles in films like "Office Space," "Fargo," and "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" 3.Theodore Broun: Theodore Broun is an American author, historian, and professor. He has authored several books, including The History of Education in Texas, American Humorists, and Diversifying the Teacher Workforce: Race, Culture, and Equity. 4.Gwenton Broun: Gwenton Broun is a Jamaican sprinter who specializes in the 400 meters. He represented Jamaica in the World Championships in Athletics, the World Indoor Championships in Athletics, and the IAAF World Cup. 5.Leonard Broun: Leonard Broun is an American football coach and former player. He served as the head coach at the University of Miami from 1970 to 1973 and at Wake Forest University from 1974 to 1979. 6.Sara Broun: Sara Broun is an American artist, best known for her sculptures, which often explore the connection between everyday objects and personal experiences. 7.Jenny Broun: Jenny Broun is an American television personality, author, and fashion designer. She is best known for her roles on the television series "Gossip Girl" and "The Simple Life." 8.Keir Broun: Keir Broun is a Scottish painter and artist, best known for his abstract works which combine colors and geometric shapes.