Malcolm
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Devotee of Saint Columba
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Popularity: Ranked #272 in 2025 with 1,257 babies born.
History: Malcolm derives from the Scottish Gaelic 'Maol Coluim,' meaning devotee or servant of Saint Columba, the 6th-century Irish monk who Christianized much of Scotland. Four Scottish kings bore the name Malcolm, including Malcolm III Canmore, whose reign was pivotal in Scottish history. Malcolm X, the American civil rights leader born Malcolm Little, gave the name powerful cultural significance in the 20th century.
Name length: 7 letters
How common is Malcolm? About 1 in 2,648 babies born in 2025 were named Malcolm, or roughly 3.4 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Malcolm
What does the name Malcolm mean?
Malcolm means “Devotee of Saint Columba” from Scottish Gaelic roots.
What is the origin of the name Malcolm?
Malcolm has Scottish Gaelic origin. The traditional meaning is “Devotee of Saint Columba”.
How popular is Malcolm?
Malcolm ranked #272 in 2025 — given to 1,257 babies that year.
When was Malcolm most popular?
Malcolm peaked in 1992 with 1,495 babies registered that year.
Is Malcolm a boy or girl name?
Malcolm is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Malcolms in registered births are male.
Is the name Malcolm rising or falling in popularity?
Malcolm has risen 18 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #290 in 2020 to #272 in 2025.
How long has Malcolm been recorded?
Malcolm appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.