Malcolm
Devotee of Saint Columba — a boy name of Scottish origin
Popularity of 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.
Meaning & Origin of Malcolm
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.
Malcolm 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.
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.
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