BROWNELL
Brownell
Origin and Meaning Brownell is an English surname with possible Norman-French origins. The name is derived from the Old English words "brun," meaning brown, and "welle," meaning spring or stream. It could refer to someone who lived near a spring or stream with brown water, or someone with brown hair or complexion.
History The earliest record of the Brownell surname dates back to the medieval period in England. Over the centuries, the name has appeared in various regions of the country, particularly in England and Wales.
Distribution The surname Brownell is fairly rare in Britain today, with concentrations found in certain areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Devon. It has also spread to other parts of the English-speaking world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Notable People
- Francis Brownell (1827–1894): An American soldier awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the American Civil War.
- Gertrude Coggins Brownell (1895–1956): An English artist known for her landscapes and illustrations.
Variant Spellings Variants of the Brownell surname include Brownel, Brownil, and Brunell.
Coat of Arms The Brownell coat of arms typically features symbols related to water, such as waves or a fountain, reflecting the name's association with springs or streams.
Conclusion While the Brownell surname may not be as common as some other British surnames, its history and meaning provide a fascinating glimpse into the diverse tapestry of British family names.
There are approximately 358 people named Brownell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Brownell.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- Gary
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kevin
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Shaun
- Simon
- Steven
Female
- Amanda
- Avril
- Claire
- Dawn
- Diane
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Helen
- Janet
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Sasha
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Bargnell
- Barnall
- Barnel
- Barnell
- Barniele
- Bernal
- Bernell
- Bernola
- Birnell
- Bragnell
- Brannell
- Brennell
- Brignal
- Brignall
- Brignel
- Brignell
- Brignoli
- Brignolo
- Brignull
- Brinlee
- Bromwell
- Bronlee
- Brounlie
- Browell
- Brownall
- Browne
- Brownee
- Browner
- Brownes
- Brownet
- Brownhall
- Brownhill
- Brownhills
- Browniee
- Brownill
- Brownlaw
- Brownlea
- Brownlee
- Brownlees
- Brownler
- Brownles
- Brownless
- Brownlie
- Brownsel
- Brownsell
- Brownwell
- Brugnoli
- Bruneel
- Brunel
- Brunell
- Brunella
- Brunelle
- Brunelli
- Brunello
- Brunnell
- Brunwell
- Bruyneel
- Burnal
- Burnall
- Burnel
- Burnell
- Burnill
- Burnlee
- Burunlu
- Byrnell
- Bromell
- Brownbill
- Brownley
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.