Find out how popular the first name Browning has been for the last 26 years (from 1994 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Browning by gender

Based on the last 26 years of data, Browning is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Browning.

The history of the first name Browning

The name Browning has its origins in Old English, derived from the word "brun" or "brun," which means "brown" or "dusky." It was initially used as a descriptive name, referring to someone with brown hair, complexion, or perhaps a tanned appearance from working outdoors.

This name gained popularity during the Middle Ages in England, particularly among the working classes and those involved in trades or agricultural activities. It was a common surname in medieval times, often given to individuals based on their physical appearance or occupation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Browning can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a comprehensive survey of landowners and tenants commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears as "Bruning" and "Brunning," variations of the modern spelling.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Browning. One of the most famous is Robert Browning (1812-1889), an English poet and playwright renowned for his dramatic monologues and literary works such as "The Ring and the Book" and "My Last Duchess."

Another prominent figure was John Moses Browning (1855-1926), an American firearms designer and innovator who developed numerous influential weapons, including the M1911 pistol and the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR).

In the field of science, Robert John Browning (1849-1920) was a British chemist and inventor who made significant contributions to the study of explosive materials and developed the Browning machine gun synchronization gear, which allowed aircraft machine guns to fire through propeller discs.

The name Browning also has religious associations. John Browning (1492-1559) was an English Protestant reformer and martyr who was burned at the stake during the Marian Persecutions for his beliefs.

Additionally, Sir Thomas Browning (1605-1667) was an English politician and judge who served as the Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas during the English Civil War and the Commonwealth period.

These examples demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and accomplishments of individuals who have carried the name Browning throughout history, spanning various fields such as literature, engineering, science, and politics.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Browning was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Browning, please contact us.

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