Malcolm Name Meaning

The name Malcolm means “disciple of Saint Columba.” So, not only does the name carry a regal association, it also speaks to its bearer’s faith and religious devotion.

Origins of the Name Malcolm

The name Malcolm is of Scottish origin and means “disciple of Saint Columba.” In the medieval period, Saint Columba was a highly revered saint in Scotland, and the name Malcolm became popular as a result.

History of the Name Malcolm

Throughout history, the name Malcolm has been associated with Scottish royalty, with several Scottish kings bearing the name. One of the most famous of these was Malcolm III, also known as Malcolm Canmore, who ruled Scotland from 1058 to 1093.

Popularity of the Name Malcolm

The name Malcolm was once a very popular name in the United States, reaching its peak in popularity in the 1930s. Since then, the popularity of the name has declined, but it remains a classic and timeless choice for parents.

In recent years, the name Malcolm has appeared in popular culture, including the television show “Malcolm in the Middle,” which ran from 2000 to 2006. The show’s protagonist, Malcolm, is a quirky and endearing character, which has helped to revive the popularity of the name.

Final Thoughts on the Name Malcolm

Today, the name Malcolm is a classic and timeless choice for parents. With its regal and religious associations, the name speaks to the nobility and devotion of its bearer. So, if you’re looking for a name that’s both classic and regal,consider the name Malcolm.

In conclusion, the name Malcolm is a tale of Scottish royalty, with roots in medieval religion and a regal history. Whether you’re a fan of its classic sound or simply love its association with Scottish kings, Malcolm is a great choice for any baby boy. So, go ahead, give your little prince a name that’s fit for a king.

Infographic of Malcolm name meaning, which is A Scottish name, Malcolm means devotee of Saint Columba.
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Malcolm Name Popularity

How popular is the name Malcolm? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 283 38 0.0108%
1911 224 84 0.0226%
1912 229 188 0.0373%
1913 222 247 0.0436%
1914 245 267 0.0383%
1915 222 422 0.0464%
1916 223 446 0.0462%
1917 205 525 0.0525%
1918 240 456 0.0425%
1919 239 451 0.0431%
1920 225 534 0.048%
1921 227 561 0.049%
1922 238 517 0.0464%
1923 208 600 0.0536%
1924 210 619 0.0533%
1925 218 592 0.0524%
1926 215 604 0.0549%
1927 222 575 0.0519%
1928 205 631 0.059%
1929 213 567 0.0547%
1930 228 525 0.0503%
1931 221 531 0.0538%
1932 216 531 0.0537%
1933 221 489 0.0525%
1934 231 463 0.0479%
1935 220 507 0.0522%
1936 216 503 0.0522%
1937 235 459 0.0466%
1938 224 504 0.0492%
1939 225 496 0.0488%
1940 228 512 0.0482%
1941 251 462 0.041%
1942 236 545 0.0432%
1943 218 631 0.0483%
1944 245 515 0.0416%
1945 258 468 0.0384%
1946 244 604 0.0409%
1947 269 597 0.0358%
1948 294 505 0.0316%
1949 301 467 0.029%
1950 292 501 0.0311%
1951 282 544 0.0321%
1952 285 566 0.0324%
1953 309 507 0.0286%
1954 293 552 0.0302%
1955 296 564 0.0307%
1956 311 527 0.0279%
1957 326 527 0.0274%
1958 307 568 0.0301%
1959 350 456 0.024%
1960 337 496 0.0262%
1961 344 489 0.0259%
1962 338 489 0.0266%
1963 353 448 0.025%
1964 359 430 0.0244%
1965 303 583 0.0357%
1966 356 409 0.0262%
1967 361 395 0.026%
1968 376 387 0.0258%
1969 374 393 0.0255%
1970 344 513 0.0322%
1971 354 477 0.0317%
1972 371 415 0.0305%
1973 387 357 0.0275%
1974 417 310 0.0239%
1975 398 332 0.0258%
1976 425 294 0.0228%
1977 433 291 0.0216%
1978 473 249 0.0185%
1979 471 262 0.0186%
1980 522 219 0.015%
1981 514 224 0.0152%
1982 492 254 0.017%
1983 579 165 0.0112%
1984 514 228 0.0153%
1985 441 336 0.0221%
1986 356 492 0.0326%
1987 328 596 0.0391%
1988 307 704 0.0452%
1989 269 878 0.0544%
1990 242 1,116 0.0673%
1991 228 1,278 0.0784%
1992 207 1,474 0.0923%
1993 239 1,190 0.0763%
1994 280 948 0.0618%
1995 298 863 0.0573%
1996 315 811 0.0542%
1997 338 741 0.0501%
1998 366 667 0.0446%
1999 367 677 0.0452%
2000 368 685 0.0448%
2001 408 575 0.0382%
2002 418 555 0.037%
2003 490 464 0.0305%
2004 535 395 0.0259%
2005 532 415 0.0271%
2006 533 431 0.0275%
2007 570 413 0.0262%
2008 547 439 0.0284%
2009 596 388 0.026%
2010 528 444 0.0308%
2011 488 492 0.0345%
2012 462 551 0.0387%
2013 442 605 0.0425%
2014 433 654 0.0449%
2015 416 698 0.048%
2016 402 749 0.0519%
2017 392 769 0.0551%
2018 385 774 0.0563%
2019 320 987 0.0729%
2020 295 1,104 0.0867%
2021 283 1,192 0.0975%
2022 283 1,190 0.0902%

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Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Malcolm

If you like Malcolm, you’ll love these other names like Malcolm.


What names are variants of Malcolm?

Mix it up with these names that are a variation of the name Malcolm.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Malcolum

Devotee of Saint Columba

Scottish

Malcom

Devotee of Saint Columba

Scottish

Malkolm

Devotee of Saint Columba

Scottish


What names sound like Malcolm?

If you like how Malcolm sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Malcolm.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Malkiel

My king

Hebrew


What names are similar to Malcolm?

Find a name that’s like Malcolm, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Calum

Dove

Scottish


Lists With Malcolm

Find inspiration in these baby boy name lists featuring the name Malcolm.


Siblings of Malcolm

Mamas with kids named Malcolm also have kids with these names.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Marshall

Caretaker of horses

English

6 Comments

  1. Named him after a sports player

  2. We chose the name Malcolm because one of our favorite television characters has that name. But also, it kind of sounds like an old British man and that’s pretty cool. We do wish it had a more interesting meaning, but it’s a strong Scottish (Mama’s heritage) name, so we love it!

  3. I got my firstborn, I gonna give him this name ‘MALCOLM’ I love it guys

  4. His dad name is Malcolm

    • your dad’s name is my sone name hahaha, so am your grand pa

  5. Family name – named after a great grandfather.
    Even while holding our newborn, Malcolm, I had a little hesitation with the name. The namesake went by Mac so I saw visions of Mac n Cheese and more.
    Instead in early years when friends couldn’t pronounce his name they did not shorten it. They attempted it calling him, “Welcome”. How sweet is that?
    The name suits my child, adding an age old quality of character.


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