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Malcolm

Boy name · 1,741 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Malcolm: 1,741 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 140 births in 1975.

Though often thought of as a classic Scottish name, Malcolm actually has Gaelic roots, coming from *Máel Coluim*, meaning "devotee of Saint Columba." It was a royal name in medieval Scotland, borne by four kings including Malcolm III, better known as King Malcolm Canmore, who features in Shakespeare's *Macbeth* as the rightful heir to the throne. In more modern times, the name is famously associated with American civil rights leader Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, and British actor Malcolm McDowell. There are no major place-names derived directly from the name, but the town of Kilmalcolm in Scotland references the same saint. A notable variant is the Scottish Gaelic form, Calum, which has become increasingly popular on its own.