Surname Colquhoun - Meaning and Origin
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Colquhoun: What does the surname Colquhoun mean?
The surname Colquhoun originated in the Galloway part of southwest Scotland and is derived from the Gaelic ‘cuilchoinneach’, meaning ‘of the narrow corner’. Historically, this surname was shared by a powerful baronial family with ancestral lands around Loch Lomond in West Dunbartonshire. There are records of some of the earliest Colquhouns serving as Generals during some of Scotland’s major conflicts in the late Middle Ages, including the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513.
The clan’s chief bore the title of Laird of Luss and his family descended through the Colquhouns of Colquhoun and their offshoot, the Colquhouns of Camstradden. An earlier ancestor was Blind Harry, the fifteenth-century minstrel who wrote The Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace, a romanticised account of the life of the legendary Scots hero. The Clan Colquhoun also boasts an impressive international heritage, with members settling in the United States and in Canada’s Maritimes during the eighteenth century.
The name remains to this day in the United Kingdom, France, North America and elsewhere. With its unique link to Scotland’s proud history, the surname Colquhoun is a reminder of Scotland’s noble past and the many families that rose to prominence in the annals of time.
Order DNA origin analysisColquhoun: Where does the name Colquhoun come from?
The last name Colquhoun is quite common in the United Kingdom and Ireland today, with the vast majority of the frequency being in Scotland and Northern Ireland. According to various sources, the surname can be traced back to an ancient clan in Scotland that had perceived control over the lands of western Scotland, Loch Lomond, and other surrounding areas. The Clan Colquhoun was well respected for their courage and strength, as well as for their loyalty and hospitality.
The Colquhoun surname is also seen in multiple countries, especially in the English-speaking nations of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. In America, many people with the Colquhoun surname have roots in other countries, primarily British and Irish immigrants. This is especially true within states that have a larger demographic of these populations. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the last name Colquhoun is most commonly seen in the states of California, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania, as well as Florida and Michigan.
In addition to its presence in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Scotland, and various English-speaking countries, the Colquhoun surname is also present in some other countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy. Different forms of the name may be found outside of the English-speaking countries, such as Colmlhowan in Scotland and Kalkúun in Finland. Wherever the name is found, it is often a reminder of strength, courage, and loyalty.
Variations of the surname Colquhoun
The variants, spellings, and surnames of Colquhoun are variations that have been adopted due to the Anglicization of traditional Gaelic surnames. For example, Colquhoun may also be spelled as Colhoun, Colhoon, Colhoun, Calhoun, Coulhoun, Coulhoon, Calhoon, or Coulhuan.
Colquhoun is a sept name of the Scottish clan MacAulay, believed to be of both Norman and Irish heritage. The clan was based at the ancestral castle of The Colquhouns in Luss, Argyll, Scotland. The name is derived from the Gaelic caolchuinn meaning ‘the narrow stream’ which is historically found in places of strategic importance along the western highlands of Scotland.
The spelling variations of Colquhoun are typically found among people of Scottish and Irish descent. It is considered one of the few very old Scots surnames which satisfies the rigid strictures of Scots law with respect to the derivation of such surnames.
Some of the other surnames associated with Colquhoun include Colmquhoun, Colqueen, Coulquhune, Callhoun, Colhoun and Callhoone. As well as Colquhoun, a wide range of spellings and variants can be found in records as early as the 16th century, with mutations such as Calquhoun, Calhoon, Colhone and Colhooen.
The name is still popular today, and it is a common surname in both Scotland and Ireland.
Famous people with the name Colquhoun
- Robert Colquhoun: a Scottish painter and artist who was prominent in the Surrealist School Movement
- Tibbie Colquhoun: a Scottish noblewoman who, in 1539, founded the Colquhoun family fortune
- Gord Colquhoun: a Canadian novelist and independent filmmaker
- James Colquhoun: a British-Australian writer and researcher, best known for his books on sustainable living
- Jack Colquhoun: a Scottish footballer who made five appearances for the Scotland national team
- Adam Colquhoun: an Australian professional golfer who has played on the European Tour
- Gladys Colquhoun: a British classical actress, best known for her role as 'Aunt Purdy' in the BBC's 1981 adaptation of the children's book, "The Secret Garden"
- Nigel Colquhoun: a British actor, screenwriter and director
- Horace Colquhoun: an English rower and the founder of the London Rowing Club
- Sir Humphrey Colquhoun: a Scottish military commander and Governor of Minorca from 1763 to 1782