Browne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Browne

What does the name Browne mean?

When the Strongbownian's arrived in Ireland there was already a system for creating patronymic names in place. Therefore, the native population regarded many of the Anglo-Norman naming practices that these settlers were accustomed to as rather unusual. Despite their differences, the two different systems eventually merged together rather insidiously. The Strongbownians, when they arrived, displayed a preference for used nickname surnames. Two of the most prevalent forms were oath nicknames and imperative names. Oath names often carried blessings or were formed from habitual expressions. Imperative names, formed from a verb added to a noun or an adverb, metaphorically described the bearer's occupations. The nick name surname Browne is derived from a nickname for a person with brown hair or a tanned complexion, or a person who favored brown clothing. The surname Browne is derived from the Old English word brun or the Old French word brun, which both mean brown, and are both ultimately of Germanic origin. The Gaelic forms of the name are De Brún or le Brún. The latter form is considered to be correct.

Early Origins of the Browne family

The surname Browne was first found in County Galway. The first Browne to settle in Ireland was descended from the Counts of Marche in Pictou, in Normandy. Hugh le Brun married Isabel, the widow of King John, and their son, William de Valence was created Earl of Pembroke. Sir Hugh le Brun was one of the Lords of the Marches of Wales. His grandson, Sir William landed in Ireland in 1172 during the Norman invasion, and his son, Fromond le Brun, was Chancellor of Ireland in 1230. From Fromond was descended Sir David who built the Castle of Carrowbrowne in Oranmore. This became the senior branch of the Brownes of Galway.

Early History of the Browne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Browne research. Another 150 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1585, 1594, 1608, 1610, 1620, 1633, 1634, 1635, 1638, 1656, 1668, 1670, 1694, 1705 and 1757 are included under the topic Early Browne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Browne Spelling Variations

During the lifetime of an individual person, his name was often spelt by church officials and medieval scribes the way it sounded. An examination of the many different origins of each name has revealed many spelling variations for the name: Browne, Brownes and others.

Early Notables of the Browne family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was

Geoffrey Browne (died 1608), Alderman of Galway, Mayor of Galway (1634-1635), member of the Tribes of Galway
Sir Dominick Browne (c.1585-1656), Irish merchant and landowner
Mother Mary Bonaventure Browne (ca.1610-1670), member of the Order of Saint Clare (Poor Clare) and Irish historian
Geoffrey Browne (died 1668), Irish lawyer and politician
Valentine Browne, 1st Viscount Kenmare (1638-1694), an Irish peer

Browne World Ranking

In the United States, the name Browne is the 1,607^th most popular surname with an estimated 19,896 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Browne is ranked the 323^rd most popular surname with an estimated 10,984 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Browne is the 243^rd popular surname with an estimated 2,449 people with that name. 3 The United Kingdom ranks Browne as 460^th with 14,062 people. 4

Browne migration to the United States +

During the middle of the 19th century, Irish families often experienced extreme poverty and racial discrimination in their own homeland under English rule. Record numbers died of disease and starvation and many others, deciding against such a fate, boarded ships bound for North America. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Unfortunately, many of those Irish that arrived in Canada or the United States still experienced economic and racial discrimination. Although often maligned, these Irish people were essential to the rapid development of these countries because they provided the cheap labor required for the many canals, roads, railways, and other projects required for strong national infrastructures. Eventually the Irish went on to make contributions in the less backbreaking and more intellectual arenas of commerce, education, and the arts. Research early immigration and passenger lists revealed many early immigrants bearing the name Browne:

Browne Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Robert Browne, who arrived in Virginia in 1618 aboard the ship "Mary Gold" 5
Peter Browne, (1594/5 - 1633), who landed in Virginia in 1620 aboard the "Mayflower" from Surrey, England 5
Christopher Browne, aged 18, who arrived in Virginia in 1620 aboard the ship "Dutie" 5
John Browne, aged 28, who arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the "Bona Nova" 5
Mr. Nicholas Browne, aged 18, who arrived in Virginia in 1621 aboard the ship "Charles" 6
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Browne Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Ducksell Browne, who landed in Virginia in 1703 5
Benjamin Browne, who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1712 5
Marke Browne, who landed in Virginia in 1716 5
Francis Browne, who arrived in Virginia in 1723 5
Martin Browne, aged 34, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1738 5
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Browne Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Charles Browne, aged 35, who landed in New York in 1801 5
John Browne, aged 24, who arrived in New York, NY in 1803 5
Margaret Browne, aged 26, who arrived in New York, NY in 1803 5
William Browne, aged 34, who arrived in New York, NY in 1803 5
Thomas Browne, who landed in America in 1806 5
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Browne Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Edmond Browne, who arrived in Colorado in 1907 5

Browne migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Browne Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Thomas Browne, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Jer Browne, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1760
Mr. Henry Browne U.E. who settled in New Brunswick c. 1783 member of Cape Ann Association 7
Abram Browne, who landed in Quebec in 1784
Alex Browne, who arrived in Quebec in 1784

Browne Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Michael Browne, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1837 aboard the barque "Robert Watt" from Cork, Ireland
John Browne, aged 26, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1837 aboard the barque "Robert Watt" from Cork, Ireland
Johanna Browne, aged 29, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1837 aboard the barque "Robert Watt" from Cork, Ireland
Johanah Browne, aged 24, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1837 aboard the barque "Robert Watt" from Cork, Ireland
Peggy Browne, aged 30, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1837 aboard the barque "Robert Watt" from Cork, Ireland

Browne Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

Miss M E Browne, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Browne migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Browne Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William Browne, British Convict who was convicted in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Batavia" in October 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 8
Miss Anne Browne, (b. 1785), aged 33, Irish servant who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" on 26th July 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
Miss Mary Ann Browne, (b. 1778), aged 40, Irish servant who was convicted in Dublin, Ireland for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" on 26th July 1818, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 9
Mr. Ephraim Browne, English convict who was convicted in Chester, Cheshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Canada" on 23rd April 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
George Browne, a painter, who arrived in New South Wales, Australia sometime between 1825 and 1832
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Browne migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Browne Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

G Browne, who landed in Mercury Bay, New Zealand in 1830
Thomas Browne, aged 20, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
Annie Browne, aged 21, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Martha Ridgeway" in 1840
Mr. Thomas Browne, (b. 1820), aged 20, British agricultural labourer and carpenter travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 11
Mrs. Annie Browne, (b. 1819), aged 21, British settler travelling from England aboard the ship "Martha Ridgway" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 14th November 1840 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Browne migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 12

Browne Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Edward Browne, (b. 1610), aged 24, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 5
Mr. Thomas Browne, aged 21, British settler travelling from Gravesend, UK aboard the ship "Hopewell" arriving in Barbados on 17th February 1634 5
Mr. Thomas Browne, (b. 1617), aged 18, British settler travelling from London, England aboard the ship "Alexander" arriving in Barbados in 1635 13
Jo Browne, aged 20, who arrived in Barbados in 1635 aboard the ship "Falcon" 5
Mr. John Browne, aged 33 who arrived in St. Kitts (St Christopher) aboard the ship "Amity" in 1635 5
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Browne (post 1700) +

Sgt. Dolores Mercedes Browne (1921-1945), American sergeant in the the 6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first all-female African American Army unit
Robert David "Chance" Browne (1948-2024), American comic strip artist and cartoonist, painter, and musician, born in New York City
Don Browne (1943-2023), American media executive, President of Telemundo
Christopher K. "Chris" Browne (1952-2023), American comic strip artist and cartoonist who drew the comic strip Hägar the Horrible, son of cartoonist Dik Browne and brother of cartoonist Chance Browne
Joy Browne (1944-2016), known as Dr. Joy, an American talk show host
Malcolm Browne (1931-2012), American journalist and photographer, recipient of the 1964 Pulitzer Prize
Brigadier-General Frederick William Browne (1875-1960), American Assistant Budget Officer War Department (1939-1944) 14
Olin Douglas Browne (b. 1959), American professional golfer
Dik Browne (1917-1989), American popular cartoonist, best known for writing and drawing Hägar the Horrible and for drawing Hi and Lois
Charles Farrar Browne (1834-1867), American humorist
... (Another 32 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Browne family +

Halifax Explosion

Mrs. Rose Sarah Browne (1867-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 15

HMS Hood

Mr. Robert H P Browne (b. 1909), English Lieutenant (S) serving for the Royal Navy from Suffolk, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 16

RMS Lusitania

Mr. E. Bennett Browne, English First Waiter from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 17

SS Atlantic

Miss Bridget Mary Browne, who was traveling aboard the ship "SS Atlantic" when it struck rocks off Nova Scotia in 1873, died in the sinking

USS Arizona

Mr. Harry Lamont Browne, American Chief Machinist's Mate from California, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 18

The Browne Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Fortiter et fideliter
Motto Translation: Boldly and faithfully.

Sources +

"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/batavia
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2011, November 3) Frederick Browne. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Browne/Frederick_William/USA.html
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html