Surname Cochrane - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Cochrane Lineage: My Personal Journey through an iGENEA DNA Test

I took an iGENEA DNA test to explore my background and investigate the stories revolving around my surname, Cochrane. The results reinforced tales of our Scottish ancestry and added quite the plot twist, discovering a considerable connection to Ireland.

B. Cochrane

Cochrane: What does the surname Cochrane mean?

The surname Cochrane is of Scottish origin and is derived from a place named Cochrane near Paisley, in Renfrewshire. The exact meaning of the name Cochrane doesn't appear to be known for certain. However, some sources suggest it may come from two Gaelic word elements: "coch" meaning "red" and "rathain" meaning "little fort", thus the name could potentially mean "red fort". The family holding this surname held a family seat as Earls of Dundonald in the region for many centuries, contributing to the local politics and society. It is also a name that has spread to many other countries, particularly those with historical ties to Scotland, such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Notable people with the surname Cochrane include Thomas Cochrane, a daring naval officer of the Napoleonic period and Alexander Cochrane, a senior Royal Navy commander during the Napoleonic Wars.

Cochrane: Where does the name Cochrane come from?

The surname Cochrane is of Scottish origin. It was first found in Renfrewshire, where the family held a family seat from ancient times. The surname is derived from a place-name; the Cochranes are believed to have named after the lands of Cochrane in the paisley parish of the country. The name Cochrane is likely of Gaelic origin, from the words "coch," which means "red," and "rhyn," which means "moor."

Today, the Cochrane name is commonly found in countries that have seen Scottish migration such as Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In Britain, it is still most common in Scotland, particularly in areas close to the original family seat in Renfrewshire. Over the years, several notable figures with the surname Cochrane have emerged, including Thomas Cochrane, a daring Royal Navy officer during the Napoleonic Wars, and renowned health researcher Archie Cochrane.

Variations of the surname Cochrane

The surname Cochrane originates from Scotland and has seen several variations in spelling over the centuries. Some of these variants include Cochraine, Cochran, Cocrane, Cocran, Cochren, Cockram, Cockran, Cockren, and Coughran. Another popular version of the surname is Cochrame. These variations in spelling often occurred due to errors in the transcription of census records, immigration documents, and other official records.

The surname is believed to come from the Gaelic word "cochran" which means "red brook" or "red stream." The name was first found in Renfrewshire, where the family has held a family seat from ancient times, earning them the title of 'Lords of Cochrane.' This surname has many branches and was one of the influential families in Scotland.

Despite its Scottish origins, the name can also be found in Ireland, often under the variant form Coughran, stemming from Gaelic ‘Ó Corcráin’.

In modern times, many with this surname have anglicized or simplified the spelling when emigrating to different countries, leading to further variations such as Cocrain or Cockrin.

Famous people with the name Cochrane

• Thomas John Cochrane: A British Royal Navy officer.
• Thomas Cochrane: A famous Canadian musician and member of the band Red Rider.
• Alexander Dundas Ross Cochrane: A British Naval officer during the French Revolutionary War.
• Bill Cochrane: A former Major League Baseball player.
• John Cochrane: An American chess player.
• Bob Cochrane: A former professional American Football player.
• Eddie Cochrane: An American rock and roll pioneer.
• Mickey Cochrane: A Major League Baseball Hall of Fame catcher.
• Robert Cochrane: A leading figure in the neopagan Witchcraft group, Clan of Tubal Cain.
• Claud Cochrane: A successful Australian entrepreneur and philanthropist.
• Steve Cochrane: An American ice hockey coach.
• Jackie Cochrane: An Irish rally driver.
• Steve Cochrane: An American screenwriter and director.
• Megan Cochrane: An American actress, known for "A Matter of Faith".
• Lee Cochrane: An English former professional footballer.
• Tim Cochrane: An Australian professional rugby league footballer.
• John Dundas Cochrane: A British explorer.

Other surnames

Cochran