Boy · 355th of 23,106
Malcolm
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
69,060
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1992
Peak Popularity Year
1,495
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Malcolm stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
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
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
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
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 3 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |