As the Normans invaded and gained control of much of Ireland, many of them settled.The Le Bruns married into several powerful families across Galway and Mayo, and joined the ‘14 Tribes of Galway’, an alliance that controlled the political and trade links.Over time the family name spread throughout Ireland and the pronunciation evolved into Brown or Browne.Throughout history, thousands of Browns have emigrated from Ireland to find a better life around the world, most notably during the great famine in the 1800s.One of the first Europeans to settle in America, was named Edward Browne, who was actually from London, but moved to Virginia in the 17th century.As the name Brown has such popularity around the world, there are literally hundreds of notable people named Brown in almost every field.One of the most famous is James Brown, the soul singer who is often referred to as the Godfather of Soul. Originating from the Olde English, Norse-Viking and Anglo-Saxon pre 7th century word "brun" it generally referred … The name Brown or Browne is one of the most common names in Ireland and in the UK and America.It dates back to the 7th century in England.
The first Browne to settle in Ireland was descended from the Counts of Marche in Pictou, in Normandy . From the Irish for brown (donn), the original Irish name Ó Duinn has by now lost the O prefix. 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, BrohnLeave a message on our Facebook page if you're researching this surname However, many of the family remained in Normandy where Gilbert and William le Brun were listed in 1185 according to the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae . For those of you wondering which Irish family names are most-popular today, your wait is finally over! The name Brown or Browne is one of the most common names in Ireland and in the UK and America. Today Browne is the 6th most popular surname in the United States and the second most common surname among African Americans. The surname Brown was first found in Cumberland, where the Brown family held a family seat and claim descent from Le Brun in Normandy, who was granted many estates there soon after the Conquest. 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. The surname Brown was first found in County Galway. Today, there are many different variations of Irish surnames, but most commonly, they can be divided into three categories. Brown is the 4th most popular surname in the United States, the 5th most common in England, and the 4th most common last name in Australia.The variant surname, Browne, is also common in England and Ireland.

It comes from an old Anglo-Norman word ‘brun’, which referred to the colour of a person’s hair, skin or clothes.It first arrived in Ireland in 1170, at the time of Strongbow’s rule. The Browne family arrived in Ireland in 1170 in Strongbow's time, and were soon established in Galway and Mayo.

It is one of the most common surnames in English-speaking countries. It dates back to the 7th century in England. Interesting early recordings of the surname include Anthony Browne, the 1st Lord Montague (1526 - 1592). Hugh le Brun married Isabel, the widow of King John, and their son, William de Valence was created Earl of Pembroke. Surname Origin: English, Scottish, Irish Alternate Surname Spellings: Browne, Braun, Broun, Breun, Bruun, Bruan, Brun, Bruene, Brohn