Surname Brownlow - Meaning and Origin
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Brownlow: What does the surname Brownlow mean?
The surname Brownlow is of English origin and is derived from a place name. It is a combination of two Old English words: "brun" meaning "brown," which is typically used in reference to the color of the land or soil, and "hlaw" meaning "a low hill" or "mound". So, its literal meaning could be interpreted as "brown hill". It is believed to have originated from the settlement named Brownlow in Cheshire, North West England. Such place-related surnames were often adopted by landowners and inhabitants as a way to associate themselves with a particular place. Over time, the surname Brownlow spread to different parts of the UK and then globally, due to migration and the colonization policies of the British Empire. Like many surnames, the spelling may vary across different families and regions.
Order DNA origin analysisBrownlow: Where does the name Brownlow come from?
The surname Brownlow is of English origin. It is a locational surname derived from places named "Brownlow" in England. The name itself is believed to be a combination of two Old English words - "brun," meaning brown, and "hlaw," meaning mound or low hill. The family gained a significant status in Derbyshire, where they held a family seat after the Norman Conquest in 1140 A.D.
Today, the Brownlow surname is distributed around the world due to migration, but it is mainly observed in English-speaking countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In spite of its dispersion, it is not exceedingly common but is scattered in varying degrees. According to census data, the most Brownlow families were found in the UK in 1891, and even today, the highest concentration of people with the Brownlow surname is found in Northern Ireland, followed by England. In the U.S, Brownlows are mostly found in the Southern states, with the highest density in Tennessee. The surname's global presence has expanded and survived for centuries, showing the successful distribution and survival of the Brownlow family.
Variations of the surname Brownlow
The surname Brownlow has various forms due to regional accents, pronunciation differences, and spelling preferences. Some variant spellings include Brownloe, Brownlo, Brownlowe, Browlow, and Braunlow. Sometimes, an 's' may be added at the end, forming Brownlows or Brownsloe.
The name Brownlow likely originated as a locational surname from a place named Brownlow in Lancashire, England. Therefore, it might be associated with other surnames derived from the same region.
The name itself is composed of two elements - 'Brown' and 'low'. 'Brown' may be related to the Old English 'brun' or the Old Norse 'brunn', both meaning brown. The 'low' part might have come from the Old English 'hlaw', meaning hill or mound. Therefore, associated surnames could also include Brownhill, Brownmound, Brunhill, or Brunlow.
However, direct surname variations of Brownlow are quite unique and it's hard to find exactly matching ones. Normally, genetic lineage and regional dispersion can influence the variations of surnames, but for a relatively unique surname like Brownlow, those might be limited.
Please note that usage, spelling and variants can vary greatly by country, region, and even between families. So, there can be many other possible spellings or variations not listed above.
Famous people with the name Brownlow
- Charles Brownlow: Known as the founder of the AFL Brownlow Medal, awarded to the best and fairest player in the Australian Football League.
- Louisa Brownlow: Wife of Sir George Bowen, a 19th Century colonial administrator. She authored publications about life in colonial Australia and New Zealand.
- William Brownlow: An American politician and publisher, he served as the governor of Tennessee from 1865 to 1869.
- Rear Admiral Cecil Brownlow: A decorated British naval officer from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Lady Megan Brownlow: A media and entertainment specialist who was formerly an executive director with PwC Australia.
- Emma Brownlow: A Victorian artist known for her narrative paintings which shed light on the work of the Foundling Hospital, London, where she grew up.
- The Right Honourable William Brownlow: An Irish politician from the 17th Century.
- Derek Brownlow: A former President of the Royal College of Veterinarians.
- Wallace Brownlow: An Irish operatic baritone who performed at the Royal Opera House in the 19th Century.
- Tom Brownlow: A professional footballer who plays for English club Leicester City F.C.
- Bob Brownlow: A well-known Australian rules footballer from the mid-20th Century.