Malcolm is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the given name Mael Coluim, which means "disciple of Saint Columbia". Saint Columbia was an Irish monk who founded the monastery at Iona in Scotland during the Middle Ages. The name Malcolm became popular among the Scottish royalty, with several kings bearing this name throughout history.
The earliest known usage of the name Malcolm can be traced back to the 10th century, when Mael Coluim II became King of Scots. He was also known as Malcolm II and ruled from 1005 until his death in 1034. Another notable bearer of this name was Malcolm III, also known as Malcolm Canmore, who reigned from 1058 to 1093. He is remembered for being one of the most powerful kings of medieval Scotland.
The name Malcolm has been associated with Scottish independence and nationalism throughout history, due in part to its prominent usage among the Scottish monarchy. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a name with a rich historical background and a strong connection to Scottish culture.
The name Malcolm has been a rare choice for parents in the United States, with only five babies being given this name each year on average since it was first recorded in 1910. The most popular year for the name Malcolm in the US was 1936, when it was bestowed upon 57 newborns. However, it has remained relatively uncommon throughout the decades, with fewer than ten babies being named Malcolm annually from the 1940s to the present day. Interestingly, there were no recorded births of boys named Malcolm in the US during the years 2006 and 2007. Despite its scarcity, the name Malcolm has shown a slight resurgence in recent years, with more than five babies being given this name each year since 2014. As of 2020, there are an estimated total of 5,839 individuals living in the United States with the first name Malcolm.