What does Brownell mean in Susan Brownell Anthony?
Susan B. Anthony's parents were close family friends with a
family whose last name was Brownell, so when the Anthony's daughter
(Susan) was born, they honored their friends by using their last
name for her middle name. Thus, she was named Susan Brownell
Anthony. Brownell was not a family name nor was she in any way
related to the Brownells.
UPDATED 5-30-15:
Actually, "...nor was she in any way related to the Brownells"
isn't exactly true, Daniel Anthony (Susan B. Anthony's father) and
Cornelius Briggs Brownell b.1821 (were distant cousins) they share
the same 4th great grandfather John Briggs b. 1609. John Briggs was
Susan Brownell Anthony's 6th great grandfather; she was distant
cousins with my great grandfather Philander Almy Brownell and
definitely part of the Briggs line which though not Brownell
bloodline, made them closer than just friends of the family. Hope
this helps :)