Old Kilpatrick got its name from the Celtic Saint Patrick, who is said to have founded a church in the area in the 6th century. The town later became known as "Kilpatrick" after the Gaelic "Cill Phádraig," meaning "church of Patrick." The prefix "Old" was added to distinguish it from the neighboring town of New Kilpatrick.
The name "Old Kilpatrick" is derived from the Gaelic language. "Kilpatrick" comes from "Cill Phàdraig," which means "Church of St. Patrick." The prefix "Old" is added to distinguish it from the nearby Kilpatrick, which is known as "New Kilpatrick."