Skip Ancestry main menuMain MenuAncestry
HomeTreesSearchDNAHelpExtras
Sign In
Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
  • Support Centre
  • Ancestry Blog
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Gift Memberships
  • Careers
    • Ancestry Corporate
    • Fold3.com
    • ForcesWarRecords.com
    • Geneanet.org
    • Newspapers.com
    • ProGenealogists.com
    • RootsWeb.com
  • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
Group of people

Meaning of the first name Mcalpin

Origin

Irish

Meaning

Son of Alpin or Noble

Variations

Mcalpine, Macalpin, Calvine
The surname McAlpin has its origins in Ireland, specifically deriving from the Gaelic name Mac Alpin, which translates to Son of Alpin. The name Alpin itself is associated with nobility and leadership. This connection to noble lineage underscores the significance of the name in Irish culture, as many surnames often reflect ancestral ties and social status. The prefix Mac indicates son of, a common element in Irish surnames that signifies familial lineage.

Historically, the McAlpin surname is linked to several notable figures in early medieval Scotland and Ireland. One of the most prominent was Kenneth MacAlpin, who is often credited with unifying the Scots and Picts in the 9th century and is recognized as the first King of Scots. This connection to royal heritage has contributed to the name's enduring legacy in Scottish and Irish history. Throughout the centuries, bearers of the McAlpin name have played various roles in their communities, often rising to positions of influence and power.

In contemporary society, the surname McAlpin is not only a reminder of its rich historical roots but also a reflection of cultural identity among descendants. While it may not be as commonly encountered as some other surnames, it retains a presence in both Ireland and Scotland, as well as among the diaspora in countries like the United States and Canada. The name is celebrated in local histories and familial genealogies, ensuring that its legacy continues to resonate with those who carry it today.

Based on our records...

Thornton

Thornton

This is the most common surname associated with Mcalpin.
Claire

Claire

This is the most common name of those married to a Mcalpin.
Josephine

Josephine

This is the most common name for a child of a Mcalpin.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

What are you curious about?

Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
Start a free trial
Order AncestryDNA
calendar.webp
Based on our records...

Did you know?

1858 is when there were the most people born with the first name Mcalpin.

Explore the origins of another name.