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 — 38 0.0108%
1911 — 84 0.0226%
1912 — 188 0.0373%
1913 — 247 0.0436%
1914 — 267 0.0383%
1915 — 422 0.0464%
1916 — 446 0.0462%
1917 — 525 0.0525%
1918 — 456 0.0425%
1919 — 451 0.0431%
1920 — 534 0.048%
1921 — 561 0.049%
1922 — 517 0.0464%
1923 — 600 0.0536%
1924 — 619 0.0533%
1925 — 592 0.0524%
1926 — 604 0.0549%
1927 — 575 0.0519%
1928 — 631 0.059%
1929 — 567 0.0547%
1930 — 525 0.0503%
1931 — 531 0.0538%
1932 — 531 0.0537%
1933 — 489 0.0525%
1934 — 463 0.0479%
1935 — 507 0.0522%
1936 — 503 0.0522%
1937 — 459 0.0466%
1938 — 504 0.0492%
1939 — 496 0.0488%
1940 — 512 0.0482%
1941 — 462 0.041%
1942 — 545 0.0432%
1943 — 631 0.0483%
1944 — 515 0.0416%
1945 — 468 0.0384%
1946 — 604 0.0409%
1947 — 597 0.0358%
1948 — 505 0.0316%
1949 — 467 0.029%
1950 — 501 0.0311%
1951 — 544 0.0321%
1952 — 566 0.0324%
1953 — 507 0.0286%
1954 — 552 0.0302%
1955 — 564 0.0307%
1956 — 527 0.0279%
1957 — 527 0.0274%
1958 — 568 0.0301%
1959 — 456 0.024%
1960 — 496 0.0262%
1961 — 489 0.0259%
1962 — 489 0.0266%
1963 — 448 0.025%
1964 — 430 0.0244%
1965 — 583 0.0357%
1966 — 409 0.0262%
1967 — 395 0.026%
1968 — 387 0.0258%
1969 — 393 0.0255%
1970 — 513 0.0322%
1971 — 477 0.0317%
1972 — 415 0.0305%
1973 — 357 0.0275%
1974 — 310 0.0239%
1975 — 332 0.0258%
1976 — 294 0.0228%
1977 — 291 0.0216%
1978 — 249 0.0185%
1979 — 262 0.0186%
1980 — 219 0.015%
1981 — 224 0.0152%
1982 — 254 0.017%
1983 — 165 0.0112%
1984 — 228 0.0153%
1985 — 336 0.0221%
1986 — 492 0.0326%
1987 — 596 0.0391%
1988 — 704 0.0452%
1989 — 878 0.0544%
1990 — 1,116 0.0673%
1991 — 1,278 0.0784%
1992 — 1,474 0.0923%
1993 — 1,190 0.0763%
1994 — 948 0.0618%
1995 — 863 0.0573%
1996 — 811 0.0542%
1997 — 741 0.0501%
1998 — 667 0.0446%
1999 — 677 0.0452%
2000 — 685 0.0448%
2001 — 575 0.0382%
2002 — 555 0.037%
2003 — 464 0.0305%
2004 — 395 0.0259%
2005 — 415 0.0271%
2006 — 431 0.0275%
2007 — 413 0.0262%
2008 — 439 0.0284%
2009 — 388 0.026%
2010 — 444 0.0308%
2011 — 492 0.0345%
2012 — 551 0.0387%
2013 — 605 0.0425%
2014 — 654 0.0449%
2015 — 698 0.048%
2016 — 749 0.0519%
2017 — 769 0.0551%
2018 — 774 0.0563%
2019 — 987 0.0729%
2020 — 1,104 0.0867%
2021 — 1,192 0.0975%
2022 — 1,190 0.0902%
2023 — 1,101 0.0851%

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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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