Surname Cochran - Meaning and Origin

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Q. Cochran

Cochran: What does the surname Cochran mean?

The surname Cochran is of Scottish origin and originated from two Gaelic words - "cnoch" meaning "hill" and "an" meaning "of". It may refer to a person who lived by or on a hill. The surname traces back to Renfrewshire in western Lowlands of Scotland, with the Cochran family being established as landowners in the region since the 13th century. Over time, the name has seen various spellings including Cocrane, Cochran, Coughran and many more. Despite the different spellings, all versions share the same root and meaning. Notably, the version with an "e" at the end (“Cochrane”) is more common in Scotland.

Cochran: Where does the name Cochran come from?

The surname Cochran originates from Scotland, and it is derived from a place name in Renfrewshire. The name is believed to be a combination of two Old Welsh words, "coch" meaning "red" and "rann" meaning "division" or "part". This could suggest the family who first acquired the Cochran name lived near a distinct red landscape, or owned a parcel of red land.

Cochran is commonly found today in various parts of the world, owing largely to the diaspora of Scottish people in the 19th and 20th centuries. You can find this surname in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Great Britain and Scotland. Among these, it is often most common in the United States. The variations and spellings of the name can differ slightly, depending on the country.

Variations of the surname Cochran

The surname Cochran primarily originates from Scotland and Northern Ireland. This historical name might have various spellings and variants based on geographical location and regional dialects. Some of these variants include Cochran, Cochren, Cochranne, Cocrane, Cocran, Cochrane, Coghrane, Cochrame, Cockram, Cockran, Cockren, Cochern, and Cockrane.

The surname could also be spelled as Colquhoun in some parts of Scotland, being an Anglicised version of the Gaelic "Cochrane". In some cases, the name is of local origin from the lands of Cochrane near the parish of Paisley, Renfrewshire. Other alternative spellings could have developed due to a branch of the family immigrating and adapting the name to a new language or pronunciation. For instance, the name 'Cocharan' is a common misspelling in American records.

However, it should be noted that while these variations do exist, not all individuals with these surnames may be of the same genealogical origin. The surname 'Cochran' later spread across English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand as individuals emigrated, further leading to possible variations and misspellings.

Famous people with the name Cochran

• Eddie Cochran: A renowned American rock and roll pioneer, he is remembered for his classic songs in the 1950s like "Summertime Blues".
• Johnnie Cochran: An eminent American lawyer, Cochran was part of O.J. Simpson’s defense team during his much-publicized murder trial.
• Steve Cochran: A popular American film and television actor, he appeared in numerous productions from the 1940s to 1970s.
• Jacqueline Cochran: Regarded as one of the most important female pilots in aviation history, she also co-authored the Women's Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) program during World War II.
• Stephen Cochran: An American country music singer and songwriter known for his hit "Friday Night Fireside".
• Thad Cochran: Served as a former United States Senator from Mississippi.
• Barbara Cochran: A former World Cup alpine ski racer and Olympic gold medalist.
• Cochran's Q.R.S. Boys (Merle & Mutt Cochran): American Ragtime performers in the 1920s.
• Wayne Cochran: An American soul singer, known for his outlandish outfits and white pompadour.
• Tom Cochran: Canadian musician and lead singer of the rock band Red Rider.
• Anita Cochran: An American country music singer, songwriter, and record producer.
• Bobby Cochran: An American guitarist, primarily in the blues genre. He's worked with Steppenwolf, and Bob Weir.

Other surnames

CochraneCochrin

Comments or additions to the name "Cochran"

19.02.2024
Cochran Clan Victoria Australia- John & Elizabeth Cameron their son William born in Australia. children and grandchildren of of William Cochran /Elizabeth McNeish .
James Willison Cochran Pharmacist . Chairman of the Pharmacy College of Victoria
William Lyle Cochran .Stockbroker & Newsagent Ballarat
his grandsons Ian Cochran , Ballarat
Patrick Irwin .Port Melbourne
Duncan Cochran Farmer.
Eric Bennie Cochran . Trotting Stud Master. Ballarat
Ronald Robert Cochran .Pharmacist . Melbourne & Healesville
his son
Robert Graeme Cochran Management Consultant Australia & New Zealand .Chairman Harness Racing Victoria Chairman of the World Trotting Conference.