Everything about the name MALCOMB

Meaning, origin, history

Malcolm is a name of Scottish origin that has been used by both men and women throughout history. The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic name "Máel Colm," which means "devotee of Saint Columba." Saint Columba was an Irish missionary who founded the monastery on Iona in the 6th century, and he is considered one of Scotland's patron saints.

The name Malcolm has a long history in Scottish royalty. One of the most famous bearers of the name was King Malcolm III of Scotland, also known as Malcolm Canmore, who ruled from 1058 to 1093. He was renowned for his military prowess and is often depicted as a strong and brave leader.

In literature, the name Malcolm has been used by several notable authors. In Shakespeare's "Macbeth," one of the characters is named Malcolm, who later becomes King Duncan's son-in-law and successor to the throne. Additionally, the American author and poet James Malcolm Rymer was known for his dime novels featuring the character Frank Reade Jr., a young inventor.

Today, Malcolm continues to be used as both a male and female name in English-speaking countries around the world. Its popularity has waxed and waned over time but remains a classic choice with a strong historical legacy behind it.

See also

IrishScottishIreland

Popularity of the name MALCOMB since 1880

Birth evolution

Popularity analysis

The name Malcolm has seen a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century, with noticeable peaks and troughs in usage.

In the early 20th century, between 1917 and 1925, there were seven births each year for four consecutive years. After a dip to five births in 1934, the name gained some traction again with seven births each in 1945 and 1949.

The 1960s marked a significant turning point for Malcolm. In 1965, there were thirteen births, more than double the previous peak of seven births in 1949. However, this high was not sustained, with only six births each in 1970 and 1972.

The name saw a revival again in the late 1970s to early 1980s, with eight births recorded in 1976. Since then, it has maintained a steady presence with six births each year from 1989 to 1998.

Overall, between 1917 and 1998, there were a total of 105 babies named Malcolm born in the United States. This data suggests that while Malcolm may not have been one of the most popular names over this period, it has consistently held its ground as a recognizable choice among parents.