Holding steady, #272 for boys today.
Popularity of Malcolm since 1880
Babies named Malcolm per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 209 |
| 1890s | 335 |
| 1900s | 564 |
| 1910s | 3,555 |
| 1920s | 6,088 |
| 1930s | 5,380 |
| 1940s | 5,681 |
| 1950s | 5,700 |
| 1960s | 4,907 |
| 1970s | 3,848 |
| 1980s | 4,527 |
| 1990s | 10,064 |
| 2000s | 5,145 |
| 2010s | 7,105 |
| 2020s | 7,101 |
Meaning & origin
Malcolm has a regal yet approachable feel, with deep roots in Scottish history. First recorded in U.S. data in 1880, the name saw a significant peak in popularity in 1992, when it reached its highest rank. Since then, usage has stabilized, maintaining a steady presence without dramatic swings. In 2020, approximately 1 in 1,359 newborn boys were named Malcolm, placing it at rank 272. The name is especially well-loved in New England states like Maine and New Hampshire, which have strong Scottish heritage. Its straightforward pronunciation and classic but not overused quality make it a solid choice for parents seeking a name with historical weight and modern versatility.
Malcolm derives from Scottish Gaelic 'Máel Coluim', meaning 'devotee of Saint Columba'. The name was borne by several Scottish kings, including Malcolm III, who defeated Macbeth. It entered wider use in the English-speaking world in the 19th century.
Where Malcolm is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Malcolm” around the world
Where Malcolm lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
6
babies in 2025
Quebec
32
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mal, Mac, Colm
Variants: Malcom
Sibling names for Malcolm
Names that share Malcolm's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Fiona, Moira, Isla, Catherine, Eleanor, Candace, Kenya, Malinda, Caressa, Iona, Madalene, Pricilla, Rhona, Artavia, Cozetta, Donalda, Donelda, Jenetta, Meloney, Michae, Tamaria, Treena, Andrina, Coretta, Daneka, Maryl, Melicia, Moranda, Turkessa, Grisell, Calvina, Chalise, Darchelle, Liticia, Maidah, Zayonna
Brothers: Angus, Duncan, Hamish, Lachlan, Graham, Douglas, Gordon, Kennith, Alastair, Elgin, Erskine, Graeme, Keneth, Kenith, Lamarr, Lorne, Mychal, Rodrick, Erskin, Gilmore, Gordan, Haig, Lamond, Lowry, Maron, Ravon, Torrian, Calton, Cleland, Markcus, Martel, Neilson, Kinneth, Armari, Athol, Calven, Donaldson, Frazer, Glenroy, Loudon, Lyell, Talvin, Teven, Trevaris
Names like Malcolm
Names whose popularity has moved with Malcolm's over the last 50 years.
