. The name Broun, interchangeable with Brown, is very common in Scotland and is of more than one origin. It is a common forename in Old English charters, as Brun, from an adjective meaning brown or dark red.
It also occurs in Old High German as Brunn, Braun or Broon and is the source of the French surname le Brun. A family of this name were owners of Cumberland lands shortly after the Norman conquests. In some cases it seems to be a namedescribing the appearance of the original bearers hair and/or complextion.

. The Brouns of Colstoun were heads of the family untill the 1890's but are no longer officially recognised as such by Lord Lyon's Court, Sir William Windsor Broun 13th Baronet of Colstoun of New South Wales, Australia, is recognised by Lord Lyon's Court, and the College of Arms. The Brouns of Colstoun claim descent from the Royal House of France. They bear on their shield the three fleur-de-lys of the French Monarchy. The Brouns of Colstoun also claim descent from George Broun who in 1543 married Jean Hay second daughter of Lord Yester, ancestor of the Marquess of Tweeddale.

. The dowry consisted of the "Colstoun Pear" which was said to have been invested with wondrous powers by the 13th Century wizard and necromancer Hugo de Gifford of Yester. This pear was meant to ensure unfailing prosperity on the family which possessd it. The pear was said to have been as fresh as the day it was picked until in the 17th Century a pregnant descendant, longing for the fruit which was out of season, took a bite of it, whereupon it became as hard as rock. Patrick Broun of Colstoun was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1686, the title to be passed on to his male heirs.

. On his death he left only a daughter who inherited his possessions while the title went to the male branch of the family. Members of a younger branch of Broun of Colstoun settled in Elsinore, Denmark where they became prominent merchants; the name is still found there today.