Cochrane, an ancient barony on the W side of Abbey parish, Renfrewshire. It belonged from the 14th century to the family of Cochrane, of whom Sir Wm. Cochrane of Cowdon was ennobled as Baron Cochrane of Dundonald in 1647, as Earl of Dundonald and Lord Cochrane of Paisley and Ochiltree in 1669. By the eighth Earl it was sold about 1760; and the greater part of it now belongs to Houstoun of Johnstone.

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)