Updated June 9, 2019 Share: Boy name origins & meanings German : Brown's sonEnglish : Color name; son of the dark man Boy name variations Bronson Brown Broun Bruno Bruins Berowne Bronsen Bronnson Bronsin Bronsonn How Popular Is The Name Bruin Family name origins & meanings Dutch : from a personal name based on Middle Dutch bruun ‘brown’, or a nickname referring to the color of the hair or complexion. See also Braun.English : of uncertain origin. Reaney suggests that the name may simply reflect a pronunciation of French Brun.Altered spelling of Swiss Bruhin.