The Origin and History of the Surname McAlpin

McAlpin is a surname of Scottish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic name MacAlpin, which means "son of Alpin." Alpin is a personal name that is derived from the Old Gaelic word "alp," meaning "head" or "chief."

The name McAlpin is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the western Highlands and Islands, where it has been used as a patronymic surname since the Middle Ages. It is also found in Ireland, where it was introduced by Scottish settlers.

Some notable people with the surname McAlpin include:

* Sir John McAlpin (1827-1903), British Army officer and colonial administrator
* William McAlpin (1854-1930), American businessman and politician
* James McAlpin (1869-1947), American lawyer and judge
* Robert McAlpin (1920-2010), American architect and urban planner

The name McAlpin has also been associated with several places in Scotland, including the island of Mull, where the MacAlpin clan was based, and the town of McAlpin's Court, which is located near Oban.