What is the origin of the last name Cochran?
Countries of origin for the last name Cochran
Cochran is a last name of Scottish origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old Norse personal name “Kjaran,” meaning “seal.” The surname Cochran is classified as a patronymic surname, indicating that it was originally derived from the name of the father or ancestor.
The Cochran surname has various spelling variations, including Cochrane, Coughran, Cochren, and others. These variations can be attributed to differences in regional accents, illiteracy, or clerical errors throughout history.
The earliest documented instances of the surname Cochran date back to the 13th century. The name was prominent in the region of Kyle in Ayrshire, Scotland. Over time, the Cochran family spread throughout Scotland and further afield.
Several notable individuals bearing the surname Cochran have left their mark in various fields. For instance, Sir William Cochran was a 17th-century Scottish lawyer and politician who served as a Lord of Session, one of the highest judicial positions in Scotland. Additionally, Alexander Cochran, a Scottish-born merchant and politician, became a prominent figure in the establishment of the British colony of Georgia in the 18th century.
The surname Cochran also found its way to the United States through immigration. Many individuals of Scottish descent brought the name with them, contributing to the diversity of surnames in America. Today, Cochran is a relatively common last name in the United States, particularly in states with significant Scottish heritage.
As with many surnames, the meaning and origin of Cochran may vary depending on individual family histories, regional influences, and linguistic shifts over time. While the etymology and historical significance of the name provide insights into its origins, the true personal stories and connections of individuals who bear the Cochran surname continue to unfold, adding richness and complexity to its legacy.
Interesting facts about the last name Cochran
- The surname Cochran is of Scottish origin.
- It is derived from the Gaelic word “cochran” or “cochrane,” meaning “from the stony place” or “from the rocky place.”
- The name can be traced back to Sir John de Cochrane, who lived in the 13th century and was granted lands in Renfrewshire, Scotland.
- Members of the Cochran clan played significant roles in Scottish history, including serving as constables and bailies of the royal burghs.
- One notable historical figure with the surname Cochran is Alexander Cochran, 1st Earl of Dundonald, a Scottish soldier and politician who served as Governor of Gibraltar in the 18th century.
- The name Cochran has various spellings, including Cochrane, Caughron, Cockram, and Cockran.
- The Cochran family motto is “Virtute et labore,” which translates to “By virtue and exertion.”
- The surname Cochran is relatively common in Scotland, particularly in the areas of Renfrewshire and Ayrshire.
- Many individuals with the surname Cochran have immigrated to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand over the centuries.
- Famous people with the surname Cochran include American singer Eddie Cochran and Scottish actress Alison Doody, whose birth name is Alison Cochran.
Name Rank
#567
There are around 59350 people with the last name Cochran in the US