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NamyLab

Malcolm

male
Updated 7 months ago

Meaning

"Devotee of Columba"

From Scottish Gaelic origins, it is associated with early medieval Scotland and later borne by multiple Scottish kings.

Themes:gaelicscottishsainttraditional
Biblical

Fact-checked by Dr. Elena Vasquez

Ph.D. Medieval History, StanfordPublished Academic ResearcherHistory Professor (Adjunct) • Historical Names Consultant

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Malcolm

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#314Top 500

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#314

Malcolm was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
-21

lower than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Malcolm Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Malcolm.

10 ideas
Mal
Nickname
Mac
Nickname
malc
Nickname
ma
Nickname
mo
Nickname
maly
Nickname
colm
Nickname
my
Nickname
mie
Nickname
olmy
Nickname

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Baby Name Lists That Include Malcolm

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Malcolm, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

17 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Malcolm mean?
Malcolm means "Devotee of Columba". From Scottish Gaelic origins, it is associated with early medieval Scotland and later borne by multiple Scottish kings.
What is the origin of Malcolm?
Malcolm is of Scottish Gaelic origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Malcolm?
According to the latest SSA data, Malcolm is currently ranked #314 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Malcolm a boy name?
Malcolm is traditionally a boy name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Malcolm?
Popular nicknames for Malcolm include Mal, Mac, malc, ma, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Malcolm?
There are many names similar to Malcolm in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginScottish Gaelic
Syllables2
Length7 letters
US Rank#314
Trend↓ Falling
Starts withM

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Boy Names Like Malcolm

Malcolm has Scottish Gaelic roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Scottish Gaelic baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Malcolm appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Beautiful Irish Baby Names and Biblical Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Names That Mean Child Of God for Boys and Girls and Names That Mean Miracle And Blessing for Boys and Girls.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Malcolm pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Malcolm beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.