Across the whole of Britain, Smith was by far the most common surname at the time of 1881 Census - there were more than 363,000 of them in England alone, nearly 2% of the population. Brown, however, was not far behind with over 150,000 inhabitants recorded who bore than name.

As a surname that derives from a person's appearance, the Brown surname is spread widely, so that no assumption can be made as to origins.

The chance that two randomly-selected researchers are descended from the same Brown is consequently remote, and therefore other pointers are necessary, such as date and place of birth, or the names of parents and siblings.

Most websites and other resources are much more difficult to use if you are researching a common surname. However, one  site that is well worthy trying if you have Smith ancestors can be found here. 

This website has absolutely no connection with a very old TV programme starring Mel Smith and Griff Rhys Jones