Nicholas Brown Jr. and Moses Brown were brothers. They were members of the prominent Brown family in Rhode Island, known for their involvement in business, education, and philanthropy. Moses Brown was born on September 23, 1738, and Nicholas Brown Jr. was born on January 4, 1769. Moses Brown was a successful merchant, abolitionist, and supporter of education, and his contributions to the founding of Brown University were significant. Nicholas Brown Jr., his younger brother, also became a successful businessman and philanthropist.

Moses Brown played a crucial role in the early development of Brown University, advocating for its establishment and making substantial contributions to the institution. After Moses Brown's death in 1836, the university was renamed in honor of his younger brother, Nicholas Brown Jr., who had made a substantial financial donation to the university in 1804. The name change was a way to recognize Nicholas Brown Jr.'s significant contributions to the university's growth and success.