Malcolm is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the given name 'Máel Coluim', which means "devotee of Saint Columba." Saint Columba was an Irish missionary and monk who founded the famous monastery on the island of Iona in Scotland.
The name Malcolm gained prominence during medieval times due to several notable figures bearing this name. Malcolm II, also known as Máel Coluim mac Cináeda, ruled Scotland from 1005 until his death in 1034. He was a significant figure in Scottish history, having successfully repelled invasions by Viking forces.
Another famous bearer of the name was Malcolm III, who reigned over Scotland during the 11th century. His reign marked a period of considerable political stability and military success for Scotland. Malcolm's wife, Margaret of Wessex, was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, further increasing the visibility of this Scottish royal family.
The name Malcolm has been popular in English-speaking countries for centuries but experienced a resurgence in popularity during the late 20th century. Today, it remains a widely used and beloved name for boys worldwide, with its unique blend of historical significance and timeless appeal.
The name Malcolm has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 119 births recorded since 1913.
In the early to mid-20th century, there was an intermittent but steady occurrence of Malcolms being born. The highest frequency during this period was nine births in both 1925 and 1927. However, from 1943 onwards until the late 1960s, the number of babies named Malcolm remained consistently low, with five births recorded each year in 1943, 1951, and 1953.
It wasn't until the late 1970s that we saw a resurgence in the popularity of the name Malcolm. Between 1971 and 1973, there were seven births each year, with six births recorded in 1972. This trend continued into the early 1980s, with eight births in 1986 and eleven births in 1988, which was the highest number of Malcolms born in a single year since the 1920s.
More recently, the popularity of Malcolm as a baby name has dipped slightly. There were five births recorded each year between 1990 and 1991, with seven births in 1991. Since then, it appears that the name Malcolm has not been widely used for newborns in the United States.
Overall, while Malcolm may not be one of the most popular baby names in the U.S., it has maintained a consistent presence over the decades, with fluctuations in popularity that reflect broader trends in naming practices.