Malcolm
Malcolm is a boy's name of Scottish origin.
Meaning
Devotee of Saint Columba.
Origin and history
Malcolm is a classical male name of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning 'disciple of Saint Columba'. It has a rich history in Scottish royalty, notably borne by four kings of Scotland. In the United States, it has enjoyed steady and durable usage for over a century, offering a traditional yet distinctive option.
Popularity in the United States
70,209 babies in the United States have been named Malcolm since 1880. It ranks #406 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #286.
States where it is most popular
- NY (8.9 %)
- CA (7.2 %)
- TX (6.9 %)
- PA (4.5 %)
- LA (4.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 209 |
| 1890-1900 | 335 |
| 1900-1910 | 564 |
| 1910-1920 | 3,555 |
| 1920-1930 | 6,088 |
| 1930-1940 | 5,380 |
| 1940-1950 | 5,681 |
| 1950-1960 | 5,700 |
| 1960-1970 | 4,907 |
| 1970-1980 | 3,848 |
| 1980-1990 | 4,527 |
| 1990-2000 | 10,064 |
| 2000-2010 | 5,145 |
| 2010-2019 | 7,105 |
| 2020-2029 | 7,101 |
Famous people named Malcolm
- Malcolm X: Civil rights leader, Human rights advocate
- Malcolm Gladwell: Author, Journalist
- Malcolm Brogdon: Athlete, Basketball player
Nicknames
Mal, Malc
Fun facts
- Four kings of Scotland held the name Malcolm, including Malcolm III who inspired Shakespeare's character in Macbeth.
- Malcolm appears prominently in Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth as the rightful heir to the Scottish throne.