Origin and Meaning of Malcolm

Devotee of Saint Columba

Origin: Scottish Gaelic - Derived from the Gaelic name 'Maol Choluim', where 'maol' means 'devotee' and 'Colum' refers to 'Columba', a significant figure in Christianity.

• Malcolm is a traditional Scottish name, often associated with Scottish kings and nobility. It has been a popular name in Scotland for centuries.
• The name is common in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, but has varying degrees of popularity.
• Notable bearers of the name include Malcolm X, a prominent civil rights leader in the United States, and Malcolm, the main character in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'.
• The popularity of Malcolm has seen fluctuations, with various peaks in different decades; it was notably popular in the early to mid-20th century.
• Related names include Malcom, Malcomson, and Maolmhuire, demonstrating variations in spelling and derived forms.