Holding steady.
Popularity of Malcomb since 1917
Babies named Malcomb per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1965, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Malcomb's real moment was 1917.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 18 |
| 1920s | 7 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 12 |
| 1950s | 7 |
| 1960s | 19 |
| 1970s | 19 |
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
The name Malcomb is an uncommon variant of Malcolm, a Scottish name with deep historical roots. According to the Social Security Administration, the name first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1917, its peak year, though it never ranked among the top names. The trajectory of Malcomb has been stable with very low usage, and no particular state shows a concentration of this spelling. Parents drawn to the classic Malcolm may encounter Malcomb as a distinctive alternative, but its rarity means it is a truly unique choice.
Malcomb is a variant spelling of Malcolm, derived from Scottish Gaelic 'Máel Coluim' meaning 'follower of Saint Columba'. The name spread throughout Scotland and Scottish diaspora communities. Its earliest records in the United States date to the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Mal, Mac
Sibling names for Malcomb
Names that share Malcomb's style, for a brother or sister.
