The village was effectively founded in the late 19th century from what was previously farmland. It continued to grow at a steady rate from this point onwards, and now includes some 200 houses – making it possibly Renfrewshire's smallest village.[2]
Brookfield was also home to Donald J Malcolm (1925-2003), founder of The Malcolm Group, a significant haulage contractor whose fleet carried the Brookfield name.
The village was also home to Merchiston Hospital.[3] After the demolition of the hospital buildings in 2013, the site was converted into a large housing estate, significantly increasing the size of the village.