Malcolm is a Scottish name of Gaelic origin, derived from the ancient Gaelic elements "maol" meaning "devotee" or "bald," and "coluim" which is a form of the Latin name Columbanus. This name was popularized in Scotland by Malcolm II, who ruled from 1005 to 1034.
The name Malcolm has been associated with several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is King Macbeth of Scotland, immortalized in William Shakespeare's tragic play "Macbeth." While the character in the play was a fictional creation based on historical events, there really was a King Duncan II who ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057 and was allegedly murdered by his thane (or nobleman) Mac Bethad mac Findlaích.
Another significant figure with the name Malcolm is Saint Columba, also known as Colum Cille, who was an Irish abbot and missionary. He founded the influential monastery on Iona in the 6th century, which played a crucial role in spreading Christianity throughout Scotland.
The name Malcolm has also been used by various members of the Scottish royal family over the centuries, further popularizing its usage in Scotland and beyond. Today, Malcolm remains a strong and enduring name choice for parents looking to give their child a name with a rich history and Scottish heritage.
In the United States, the name Malcolm experienced a slight fluctuation in popularity between the years 1990 and 1992, with a total of 18 babies born during this period bearing this name.
In 1990, there were 5 babies named Malcolm, followed by an increase to 7 births in 1991. However, the popularity of the name decreased slightly in 1992, with only 6 newborns being given the name Malcolm that year.
While these statistics show some variation in the number of babies named Malcolm from year to year, it is important to note that this name has maintained a consistent presence among new parents' choices during this period.