Brownell is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:
Baker Brownell, philosopherBill Brownell, American professional basketball playerEdwin Orion Brownell, Canadian neo-classical composer and concert pianistFrederick Brownell, former South African state herald, designer of the South African flagHerbert Brownell Jr., United States Attorney GeneralJim Brownell, politicianKelly D. Brownell, obesity researcherMia Brownell, American visual artistRaymond Brownell (1894–1974), Royal Australian Air Force officer and World War I flying aceSonia Brownell, wife of George OrwellSusan Brownell Anthony, more commonly known as Susan B. Anthony, American civil rights leaderW. C. Brownell, journalistWilliam Crary Brownell, essayist, art criticWilliam E. Brownell, American scientist who conducts research at Baylor College of Medicine