Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Colquhoun

      Origin

      Scottish

      Meaning

      From the Narrows or Narrow Wood

      Variations

      Colhoun, Callhoun, Calhoun
      The name Colquhoun is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic elements cól meaning narrow and cóin which translates to wood or forest. As such, the name essentially means from the narrows or narrow wood, reflecting the geographical features of the regions in Scotland where the name likely originated. This etymology highlights the interconnectedness of names with the landscapes and environments of their historical settings.

      The Colquhoun name has deep roots in Scottish history, tracing back to medieval times. The Clan Colquhoun originated in the 13th century and has been associated with the area around Loch Lomond, particularly the region of Dunbartonshire. Throughout the centuries, the clan has played a significant role in Scottish history, frequently involved in conflicts and alliances with other clans, particularly during the turbulent periods of the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite risings. Records indicate that the Clan Colquhoun held considerable influence and prestige, with the family being granted an official coat of arms in 1672, further solidifying their legacy.

      In contemporary times, the name Colquhoun has evolved beyond its historical confines. While it remains a surname predominantly found in Scotland, descendants of the clan and individuals with associates to Scottish heritage have disseminated the name across various parts of the world, particularly in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States. The name can be seen in various contexts—embodied in place names, such as Colquhoun Street, and even features within modern literature and culture. Its enduring significance is a testament to the rich heritage and historical narratives that accompany Scottish surnames, maintaining the legacy of the Colquhoun lineage in today's society.

      Based on our records...

      Grant

      Grant

      This is the most common surname associated with Colquhoun.
      Janet

      Janet

      This is the most common name of those married to a Colquhoun.
      Jane

      Jane

      This is the most common name for a child of a Colquhoun.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1740 is when there were the most people born with the first name Colquhoun.

      Explore the origins of another name.