Place Name

Cock Burn, Edinburgh, Scotland

Where the name makes ye giggle and the fish Wriggle!

Introduction:

Welcome tae Cock Burn, the place that proves geography has a wicked sense of humour. Picture a tourist unfoldin their map, squintin at the name, then tryin tae pronounce it in a busy café while the locals pretend no tae laugh. Ye can almost hear the giggles ripple across the tables.

But dinnae be fooled. This wee burn isnae just a punchline. It has roots, stories and a past that stretches back further than most folk realise. Theories about the name are plentiful. Some say it comes fae the auld English word coc, meanin a stream, paired wi burn, which is simply a burn.

Others whisper about a local character who might have inspired the name, though that tale changes dependin on who ye ask.

Whatever the truth, Cock Burn is a name that leaves ye smilin, puzzled and maybe practisin the pronunciation under your breath.

Toponymy:

Let’s take this name in pieces.

Cock – In this context, the word likely comes fae an older term for a stream or watercourse. It might sound like the start of a joke, but it is actually a nod tae the natural features of the land.

Burn – In Scots, a burn is simply a stream. Straightforward, honest and exactly what it says on the tin.

Togither, they form a name that makes visitors pause before sayin it oot loud, often wi a blush or a grin.

Historical Context:

The earliest mentions of Cock Burn date back tae the 1200s, which means folk have been chucklin at this name for over seven hundred years. Medieval maps show the burn as a small but steady watercourse that fed into larger streams around the south side of the city.

Some local tales claim the name came fae a landmark stone or marker that once stood near the burn, while others insist it wis named after a family who lived nearby. Edinburgh in the Middle Ages wis full of colourful characters, so it is entirely possible the name stuck because it made folk laugh even then.

By the 18th century, the burn appeared in parish records and land surveys, always wi the same name, always raisin eyebrows. Victorian travellers wrote about it in journals, often wi a wink, remarkin on how the Scots seemed tae enjoy a bit of mischief in their place names.

Today, Cock Burn remains a quiet feature of the landscape, but its name continues tae bring joy tae anyone who stumbles across it.

Points of Interest:

If ye are in the area, hae a keek at:

• Balerno Village - A charming spot wi cafés, walks and a friendly community feel.

• Water of Leith - A scenic river nearby, perfect for strolls and wildlife watchin.

• Pentland Hills - A stunning range of hills offerin views, hikes and fresh air.

• Craiglockhart Hill - A historic hill wi lovely vistas and peaceful paths.

• The Cock and Bull - A local pub servin hearty meals and guid humour.

Notable Figures:

Famous folk associated wi Cock Burn or the Edinburgh area include:

• Sir Walter Scott - The novelist who brought Scottish landscapes and legends tae life.

• Robert Louis Stevenson - Born in Edinburgh and fond of wanderin the hills nearby.

• David Hume - The philosopher whose ideas shaped modern thought.

• James Clerk Maxwell - The physicist whose theories changed science forever.

• Mary, Queen of Scots - A royal figure whose presence still echoes through Edinburgh’s history.

Conclusion:

So next time ye find yersel near Cock Burn, tak a moment tae enjoy the simple truth that some of the best things in life are the ones that make ye laugh. It is a place where history, humour and a guid bit of Scottish character meet in the middle.

And if ye are hungry for mair names that make ye laugh, groan or question the sanity of our ancestors, hae a keek at www.strangeplacenames.com – where the map is full of mischief and the stories are even better.

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