Cochrane (pronunciation)

The surname Cochrane (originally Scots, and derived from a Scottish place-name) is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, reducing the vowel in the second syllable to a Schwa: 'COCK-r'n', IPA: /ˈkɒ k rən/. Scots, and anyone else who can, may prefer to use the characteristically Scots consonant 'ch' as in 'och' and 'loch': 'COCH-r'n', IPA: /ˈkɒχ rən/.

Admiral Thomas Cochrane (1775–1860) was a distinguished fighting sailor in the age of Nelson, and a radical politician. He helped to liberate Chile, Peru and Brazil from Spain and Portugal. He bore the hereditary title of Earl of Dundonald (the tenth), and became a highly successful naval warrior, laden with honours.

The name is sometimes concfused with Cockburn. Don't mix them up!