Rising since 2013, #1,771 for boys today.
Popularity of Malcom since 1880
Babies named Malcom per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 27 |
| 1890s | 25 |
| 1900s | 35 |
| 1910s | 242 |
| 1920s | 430 |
| 1930s | 332 |
| 1940s | 298 |
| 1950s | 529 |
| 1960s | 449 |
| 1970s | 348 |
| 1980s | 492 |
| 1990s | 1,130 |
| 2000s | 554 |
| 2010s | 459 |
| 2020s | 514 |
Meaning & origin
Malcom is a variant spelling of the classic Scottish name Malcolm. While less common than the standard spelling, it has maintained a steady presence. In 2025, Malcom ranked 1771 in the U.S., with about 1 in 18,770 baby boys given the name. Its peak popularity occurred in 1992, reflecting a brief surge during the 1990s. Since 2013, its trajectory has been rising, showing renewed interest in the name. The top states for Malcom are Iowa, Florida, and California, suggesting a broad geographical appeal. The name's rich Scottish heritage and connection to historical royalty may attract parents seeking a distinguished name with a slightly unique spelling.
Malcom is a variant spelling of Malcolm, derived from the Scottish Gaelic 'Mael Coluim', meaning 'devotee of Saint Columba'. The name was borne by several kings of Scotland, including Malcolm III, who reigned in the 11th century. Over time, the spelling Malcom emerged as a less common but recognized variant.
Where Malcom 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.
“Malcom” around the world
Where Malcom lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Quebec
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mac, Mal
Variants: Malcolm
Sibling names for Malcom
Names that share Malcom's style, for a brother or sister.
