Septs of Clan Colquhoun

Calhoun (and Variants: Cahoon, Cahoone, Cohoon, Colhoun)

Surname Origin & Association: Calhoun is a later variation of Colquhoun, evolving through phonetic spelling as the name spread to Ulster and North America.

Historical Context: As Colquhoun families migrated to Ireland and later to America, their name changed in pronunciation and spelling. These families continued to recognize the Colquhoun of Luss as their clan chief.

Cowan (and Variants: Cowen, MacCowan, MacOwan)

Surname Origin & Association: Cowan originated as a simplified form or variant spelling of Colquhoun, influenced by pronunciation. Some Cowan families may also derive from unrelated Gaelic roots.

Historical Context: Cowan families living on Colquhoun lands or allied through service became recognized as part of the Colquhoun clan. Their inclusion is based on geographical and familial ties.

Ingram (and Variant: Ingraham)

Surname Origin & Association: Ingram comes from a Norman personal name introduced in the 12th century. Within Clan Colquhoun, it commemorates Sir Ingram de Colquhoun, an early chief.

Historical Context: The surname was adopted by descendants or followers of Ingram de Colquhoun. Families using this name were considered a cadet branch and part of the clan’s extended kindred.

Kilpatrick

Surname Origin & Association: A territorial surname from the parish of Kilpatrick in Dumbartonshire, from Gaelic elements meaning “church of St. Patrick.”

Historical Context: Humphrey de Kilpatrick, considered the progenitor of the Colquhouns, took the name de Colquhoun after acquiring those lands. Kilpatrick is thus a foundational name in the clan’s history.

King

Surname Origin & Association: A common surname derived from Old English cyning, often used as a nickname or occupational name.

Historical Context: Families named King lived on Colquhoun lands and supported the clan during conflicts. Some may have adopted the name King after the MacGregor proscription, further linking them to Colquhoun.

Kirkpatrick

Surname Origin & Association: A variant of Kilpatrick, with “Kirk” replacing “Kil,” both meaning “church of St. Patrick.”

Historical Context: The Kirkpatrick name is linked to the Colquhoun origin legend and appears in some traditions as an ancestral branch. It was later included as a symbolic kinship name in the clan.

Laing (and Variant: Lang)

Surname Origin & Association: A descriptive surname from Scots meaning “long” or “tall,” often given to tall individuals.

Historical Context: Families named Laing settled in areas controlled by the Colquhouns and became part of the local clan community through feudal allegiance and loyalty.

McClintock (and Variants: MacClintock, MacLintock)

Surname Origin & Association: Of Gaelic origin, likely derived from Mac Giolla Fhionndaig. Found in western Scotland and Ulster.

Historical Context: MacClintock families in Ulster and Scotland were closely allied with the Colquhouns through settlement, marriage, and shared service. They are now recognized as a clan sept.

McManus (and Variant: MacManus)

Surname Origin & Association: An Irish Gaelic surname from Mac Maghnuis, meaning “son of Magnus.”

Historical Context: Some McManus families settled in Scotland or served the Colquhouns in Ulster. Their loyalty and integration into the clan structure led to recognition as a sept.

McMains (and Variant: McMain)

Surname Origin & Association: A variation of McManus, derived from the same Gaelic roots, often appearing in Scots or Ulster contexts.

Historical Context: McMains families were considered part of the McManus group that served the Colquhouns. They are recognized as a sept due to shared ancestry and allegiance.

References (APA Style)

Black, G. F. (1946). The Surnames of Scotland: Their Origin, Meaning, and History. New York: The New York Public Library.

Clan Colquhoun International Society. (n.d.). Clan Colquhoun and Associated Names. Retrieved from https://www.clancolquhoun.com

Kilpatrick, J. P. (n.d.). Kilpatrick Genealogy – Scottish Heritage: The Kilpatrick Name. Retrieved from http://home.hiwaay.net/~jpkilpat/genkilpat.htm

McMaghnuis.com. (2022). McManus aka McMaghnuis. Retrieved from https://www.mcmaghnuis.com/

Scots Connection. (n.d.). Colquhoun Clan History. Retrieved from https://www.scotsconnection.com/clan_crests/colquhoun.htm

Way, G., & Squire, R. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins Publishers.