Most occurrences of the name are derived from a nickname concerning the complexion of an individual, the colour of their hair or the clothing worn.
[6] In Scotland, The People of Medieval Scotland[7] academic project surveys over 8600 extant records from between the years 1093 to 1314 and lists 26 Brouns and 14 Browns on its database.
[5] It can also arise as a translation from the Gaelic Donn ("brown").
[10] In Scottish Gaelic, the name Brown is translated Mac-a-Bhruithainn (pronounced "mac-avroon") from the root word "Bruithainn", which is roughly pronounced "bro-an" and is similar to the word for judge (just as in the Irish).
The German cognates are associated with the much more common Continental personal name Bruno, which was borne by the Dukes of Saxony, among others, from the Tenth century or before.