Malcolm is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic "maol" meaning "bald," and "coluim" which means "chief" or "disciple." The name was popularized by Malcolm III, also known as Malcolm Canmore, who ruled Scotland from 1058 to 1093. He was the first Scottish king to claim the title of High King of all Britain, and his actions helped to shape the political landscape of medieval Scotland.
The name Malcolm has been worn by several notable figures throughout history, including Malcolm II, the grandfather of Malcolm III who ruled from 1005 to 1034, and Malcolm IV, also known as Malcolm the Maiden, who ruled from 1163 until his death in 1165. The name has also been used by several Scottish clans, such as Clan MacAlpine and Clan McNeill.
In popular culture, Malcolm has been immortalized by figures like Malcolm X, an American Muslim minister and human rights activist, and Malcolm Foster Young, the Australian musician who was a founding member of the rock band AC/DC. The name Malcolm has also been used in literature, such as in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series where Malcolm Warrington is a character.
Today, Malcolm remains a popular name, especially in Scotland and other English-speaking countries. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and historical significance. Whether you're drawn to the name for its rich history or simply because you like how it sounds, choosing Malcolm as a name is sure to make a statement.
The name Malcolm has been given to a variable number of babies each year in the United States over the past century and a half. The statistics show that the name was quite popular at certain times, while at others, it was not as common.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the name Malcolm was given to around five to eight babies per year. However, in the 1910s, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name, with over 20 births each year from 1912 to 1919.
The name Malcolm reached its peak popularity in the United States during the 1980s and early 1990s. In 1986, there were 70 babies named Malcolm, and this number steadily increased over the next few years, reaching a high of 186 births in 1992. This trend continued into the late 1990s, with around 100 births each year from 1995 to 1999.
However, since the turn of the century, the name Malcolm has seen a decline in popularity. In the 2000s and 2010s, there were typically between 30 and 80 babies named Malcolm each year. As of 2022, the name Malcolm is still given to around 90 babies per year in the United States.
Overall, while the name Malcolm has seen fluctuations in popularity over time, it remains a classic choice for parents looking for a timeless and distinctive name for their baby boy.