Brown is a common surname of English origin. It derives from the Old English word “brun,” meaning “brown” or “dark brown.” The name may have been given to people with brown hair, brown eyes, or a dark complexion. The surname is widespread throughout the English-speaking world, with notable individuals including writer Dan Brown, musician James Brown, and politician Gordon Brown. Today, the name Brown is often used as a generic surname in various works of fiction, and as such has become a symbol of everyman.
