Malcolm
Malcolm is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning “Devotee of Saint Columba”, pronounced MAL-kum. It ranked #272 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,257 babies, and peaked at #205 in 1928. Common nicknames: Mal, Mac, Colm.
How popular is Malcolm in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Malcolm mean, and where does it come from?
Malcolm comes from the Scottish Gaelic "Maol Chaluim," meaning "devotee of Saint Columba." Saint Columba was a 6th-century Irish monk who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Scotland. The name has deep royal connections — four Scottish kings bore the name Malcolm, most notably Malcolm III, who overthrew Macbeth and whose story was immortalized by Shakespeare. The name carries a strong association with courage and leadership, further reinforced by Malcolm X, the influential American civil rights leader. It remains a distinguished, intellectual choice with robust Celtic heritage.
How is Malcolm used around the world?
Malcolm is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Malcolm?
Famous People Named Malcolm
- Malcolm X — American civil rights leader and activist
- Malcolm Gladwell — Canadian-born journalist and bestselling author
- Malcolm McDowell — English actor
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Sibling Name Ideas for Malcolm
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Malcolm mean?
Malcolm is a boy name of Scottish origin meaning "Devotee of Saint Columba." Malcolm comes from the Scottish Gaelic "Maol Chaluim," meaning "devotee of Saint Columba." Saint Columba was a 6th-century Irish monk who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Scotland.
How do you pronounce Malcolm?
Malcolm is pronounced MAL-kum. Common variations include Malcom, Malkolm, Maelcolm.
Is Malcolm a boy name?
Yes, Malcolm is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Mal, Mac, Colm.