Surname Calpin - Meaning and Origin
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Calpin: What does the surname Calpin mean?
The last name Calpin is of uncertain origin and meaning but is thought to be derived from the Old Gaelic name "MacAlpin", which originated in Scotland. The clan MacAlpin, also known as clan Alpin, is believed to be the oldest highland clan in Scotland, with roots dating back to the 8th century. The prefix "Mac" means "son of", suggesting a literal translation of "son of Alpin". The name Alpin itself may be derived from the Gaelic elements "alp", meaning "rock", and "fionn", meaning "white". Thus, the surname Calpin could imply a descent from a rugged, reliable family, akin to a "white rock". Over years, due to phonetic translations and spellings, MacAlpin could have evolved into Calpin. However, since there are numerous ways that last names have been formulated throughout human history, this interpretation isn't definitive. Phonetic variations of the surname Calpin include Culpin, Colpin, Galpin, and many others. It is always recommended to trace family history for accurate origins and meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisCalpin: Where does the name Calpin come from?
The last name Calpin is of Celtic origin, believed to originally derive from the ancient Gaelic name "MacAlpin." This surname was historically associated with Clan MacAlpin which is considered one of the oldest, if not the oldest, highland Scottish clan. The Scottish king, Kenneth MacAlpin, is often considered the first 'King of Scots' consolidating his power in the mid 9th century. The spelling of the name has evolved over centuries and across various regions, resulting in variants such as Calpin, MacAlpin, MacAlpine, and others.
Today, the surname Calpin is not very common in any one specific region. However, individuals with this last name can be found in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia among the countries that have historically had immigration from the Scottish Highlands. There may also still be a presence in Scotland although the name's ubiquity has greatly diminished over the centuries due to factors such as migration and cultural assimilation.
Variations of the surname Calpin
The surname Calpin is of Irish origin and has several variations and alternative spellings. Some of the variants and spellings include Calpin, Calpine, Calpan, Colpin, Calpen, Calpene, Calpini, and Colpine.
Other spellings could come from the original Gaelic form of the name which is O'Calpin or O' Calpain.
Apart from the direct variants, Calpin may also be closely associated or might have evolved from the similar sounding and culturally close Irish surnames like Culpin, Colpin or Kilpin.
Furthermore, as for many surnames, various spelling of the name Calpin occurred over time, including the changes of spelling due to immigration and translation or phonetic spelling by non-native speakers. Indeed, it was not uncommon for a person's last name to be altered slightly when they migrated to another region or country.
It is critical to consider all these possible variations while researching genealogy or tracing family history as records may have been made using alternate spellings or phonetic versions of the surname.
Famous people with the name Calpin
- Vicky Calpin: CEO of Aviva Plc, a British multinational insurance company
- Willie Calpin: Irish footballer who made over 100 appearances for Derry City
- Barbara Calpin: American painter and teacher
- Dave Calpin: American professional golfer
- Letitia Calpin: Australian botanist and ornithologist
- Tom Calpin: British cricketer
- Eileen Calpin: New Zealand journalist and author
- Henry Calpin: English composer
- Jamie Calpin: Australian professional rugby league player
- Miles Calpin: British actor and producer