Surname Brouns - Meaning and Origin
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Brouns: What does the surname Brouns mean?
The last name Brouns is of Dutch origin and is found throughout Belgium, the Netherlands, and Indonesia. It is derived from the Old German word “broun” which means “brown” or “dark-haired.” As such, this surname likely described someone who was dark-haired, especially someone with brown hair.
In modern times, the Brouns surname can still be found most prevalently in Belgium, the Netherlands, Indonesia, France, and South Africa. In the United States, the surname first appears around the mid-1700s, likely around the time of the American Revolution. This is when many Dutchmen, including those with the Brouns surname, left their homeland and settled in the American colonies.
Those with the Brouns surname are known for their determination and dedication to their work. Many members of the Brouns family have gone on to become successful business owners, entrepreneurs, and inventors. Today, the Brouns are proud to be part of the diverse tapestry of people that make up the United States and honor their ancestors’ perseverance and strength of spirit.
Order DNA origin analysisBrouns: Where does the name Brouns come from?
The last name Brouns is most commonly found today in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is also found in other countries with ties to the Netherlands, such as the United States, South Africa, and other parts of Europe.
In the Netherlands, Brouns is the 21st most common surname. It is especially prominent in the provinces of Noord-Brabant, Limburg, and Gelderland where it ranks in the top 20 surnames. The last name is most often used as a patronymic surname derived from a first name such as Brouwer (brewer), Bron (bronze), or Brown (cousin of the bear).
In Belgium, the surname is especially common in the province of Flemish-Brabant and the majority of families spell it as Brouns. It is also found in the provinces of Antwerp and West-Vlaanderen.
In the United States, Brouns is not as common as it is in the Netherlands or Belgium, but it is still found. It is especially prevalent in the northeastern states, primarily Pennsylvania.
No matter where it is found today, Brouns is believed to be derived from Brouwer, Bron, or Brown and is often associated with the Netherlands due to its prevalence in the country.
Variations of the surname Brouns
The surname Brouns is an occupational name derived from the Middle English 'brun' which means brown. Thus, the surname was likely originally given to people with brown-coloured hair, eyes, or skin.
Variants of the surname Brouns include Brown, Browne, Braun, Braune, and Brun. In some regions, the name has transformed into other spellings, such as Brawn, Broun, Broune, and even Brownson.
The German variant Brunn (with two n's at the end) is very similar to the surname Brouns and is also an occupational name, which is derived from the Middle High German 'brunne' meaning "spring or well".
In Iceland, the surname Breiðfjörð (meaning "broad bay") is an Icelandic spelling variant of Brouns, as the pronunciation of the name is similar.
In Scotland, Irish immigrants adopted Gaelic versions of the name, including O'Bruan, O'Bruain, le Brun, le Broun, and Mac an Bhreun (meaning "son of the brown one" in Gaelic).
In Norway, the synonymous name Bruns is a habitational name taken from several places in Norway.
Although the surname Brouns is not particularly common, the variants and related spellings of it certainly are. It is widely spread geographically - from Scotland to Germany, Norway, and even to Iceland.
Famous people with the name Brouns
- Peter Brouns: Dutch sports executive and former footballer
- Robert Brouns: Dutch psychologist, therapeutic practitioner, and writer
- Jay Brouns: American professional basketball player
- Gianni Brouns: Belgian footballer
- Adri Brouns: Dutch actress
- Tsjalling Brouns: Dutch footballer
- Barbara Brouns: Argentinian film and television actress
- Michel Brouns: Dutch footballer
- Karl Brouns: German politician
- Sven Brouns: Belgian football manager and former player