Calhoun is a Scottish surname that is a variant of Colquhoun, a name derived from a place name meaning "narrow corner" or "narrow wood" in Gaelic. As a common Anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic Colquhoun, Calhoun is often found among families of Scottish descent, particularly those from the Scottish Highlands. Etymology The surname Calhoun is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname Colquhoun, which itself comes from a place name in the county of Dunbartonshire, Scotland. The original Gaelic form is thought to derive from còil or coillte meaning "nook" or "corner" and chùinn meaning "narrow," together translating to "narrow nook" or "narrow corner." Over time, variant spellings such as Calhoun, Cahoon, and Calhoon emerged in the English-speaking world. Notable Bearers John C. Calhoun (1782–1850), an American statesman and political theorist, Vice President under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson, known for his defense of slavery and states' rights. Edith S. Calhoun (1911–2001), an American mathematician and economist who contributed to the Manhattan Project. Ric Calhoun, a fictional character in the television series Life Unexpected. Geographical Distribution Today the name Calhoun is most common in the United States, where its highest concentration is in the South and Midwest, correlating with areas settled by Scottish immigrants. Numerous places in the U.S. are called Calhoun, including Calhoun, Georgia; a village in Illinois; a ghost town in Kansas; a city in Kentucky; a CDP in Louisiana; a city in Missouri; a former name of Clemson, South Carolina; a town in Tennessee; and an unincorporated community in Michigan—spread throughout many states. Cultural Significance The name is historically tied to the Clan Colquhoun in the Scottish Highlands, who trace their lineage back to the 13th century. The clan's seat at Rossdhu on Loch Lomond became synonymous with the surname, and their rich history—of battles with neighboring clans, land tenure, and eventual migration to America—adds to the name's cultural cachet, especially in Southern United States families like the Calhouns of South Carolina who influenced state politics. The spelling Calhoun is particularly associated with the politician John C. Calhoun, making it a well-known American surname today. Related Names and Variants Colquhoun (original Scottish root) Cahoon, Calhoon, Colhoun, Cohoon Key Facts Meaning: "narrow corner" or "narrow wood" (from Goidelic) Origin: Scottish Usage: Surname Most common region: United States (especially Southern states)