De Bruin is a Dutch surname meaning "the brown" (probably indicating hair color). It is common in the Netherlands (17,650 people in 2007). People named "de Bruin" include:
Corrie de Bruin (b. 1976), Dutch discus thrower and shot putterErik de Bruin (b. 1963), Dutch discus thrower and shot putterEugene DeBruin (1933–c.1968), American Air Force pilot and Vietnam POWHugo de Bruin (b. c.1960), Dutch rock guitaristJohannes de Bruin (1620–1675), Dutch philosopher, physicist and mathematicLeana de Bruin (b. 1977), South African netball playerLiesbeth de Bruin (b. 1946), Dutch rowerLuan de Bruin (b. 1993), South African rugby playerMichelle de Bruin (b. 1969), Irish swimmerMonique de Bruin (born 1965), Dutch cyclistMonique de Bruin (born 1977), American fencerPetra de Bruin (b. 1962), Dutch cyclist