Malcolm Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Malcolm originates from Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'devotee of Saint Mary'. It evolved from 'Maolmhuire' to several historical forms including 'Malcolum' and 'Malcolm'. The name is associated with traits of leadership and nobility, and it gained popularity in Scotland during the medieval period, especially due to its links to Scottish royalty. There is no significant biblical relevance associated with the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Malcolm"
Pronunciation
/ˈmæl.kəm/
Origin
Scottish Gaelic
Etymology
The name Malcolm comes from the Scottish Gaelic 'Maolmhuire', which means 'devotee of Saint Mary'. It is composed of the elements 'maol', meaning 'devotee' or 'disciple', and 'Mhuire', which is a form of 'Mary'.
Meaning
devotee of Saint Mary
Language Evolution
Maolmhuire, Malcolum, Malcolm
Historical Usage
Malcolm gained popularity in Scotland during the medieval period, particularly due to its association with various Scottish kings, notably Malcolm III, who ruled in the 11th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Malcom, Mal, Colm
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Malcolm is viewed as a classic name with a strong historical association. It carries a dignified image and is often associated with leadership and nobility.
Famous People
Malcolm X, Malcolm Gladwell, Malcolm McDowell
📊 Malcolm Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Malcolm Name Visualizations
✨ Malcolm Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,495 peak births in 1992
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Maine
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Malcolm" - Complete Guide (3 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Malcolm". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 3 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Malcolm" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Malcolm"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Malcolm"
"Malcolm" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 228th of 7545 | 8,889 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 229th of 6773 | 9,998 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 317th of 7552 | 10,573 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 396th of 10718 | 6,469 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 306th of 16616 | 12,151 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 466th of 24088 | 8,930 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 355th of 23106 | 11,332 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 6096th of 9107 | 28 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 7034th of 9204 | 17 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 11010th of 12526 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 12006th of 19264 | 28 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 15632nd of 27321 | 36 |
Regional Popularity of "Malcolm" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
17.87% 253rd/1416 |
11.82% 163rd/1379 |
9.38% 222nd/2366 |
22.68% 259th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
17.92% 277th/1546 |
9.45% 147th/1556 |
9.90% 233rd/2353 |
18.29% 283rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
17.11% 381st/2227 |
10.91% 265th/2430 |
9.85% 281st/2853 |
14.59% 405th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
16.10% 473rd/2937 |
10.25% 357th/3483 |
9.07% 319th/3518 |
13.43% 543rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
9.36% 345th/3685 |
5.52% 247th/4475 |
5.16% 268th/5194 |
6.92% 437th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.85% 497th/4582 |
7.65% 395th/5164 |
5.88% 430th/7313 |
7.53% 562nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.73% 308th/3984 |
7.06% 317th/4487 |
5.89% 402nd/6822 |
5.58% 350th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Malcolm" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Malcolm"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Malcolm" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Malcolm" in the United States
The name Malcolm is most popular in Maine, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Malcolm has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Malcolm' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 228th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 229th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 317th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 396th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 306th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 466th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 355th out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6096th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 7034th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 11010th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 12006th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 15632nd out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Malcolm' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.