Malcolm
BoyScottish Gaelic
Malcolm is a boy name of Scottish Gaelic origin meaning "devotee of Saint Columba".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Scottish Gaelic
Religion
Christian
Popularity
11 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
7 letters
Meaning
devotee of Saint Columba
Etymology
From Gaelic Mael Coluim, where mael means servant or devotee and Coluim is the genitive of Columba, the name of a 6th‑century Irish missionary saint.
Famous People Named Malcolm
- Malcolm X — American Black rights activist (1925–1965)
- Malcolm McDowell — British actor (born 1943)
- Malcolm Turnbull — Prime Minister of Australia from 2015 to 2018
- Malcolm Gladwell — Canadian journalist and science writer
- Malcolm McLaren — English artist, performer and fashion designer (1946–2010)
Frequently Asked Questions About Malcolm
What does the name Malcolm mean?
Malcolm means "devotee of Saint Columba", and is of Scottish Gaelic origin.
What is the origin of the name Malcolm?
Malcolm originates from Scottish Gaelic, commonly used in British Isles.
Is Malcolm a boy or girl name?
Malcolm is typically used as a boy name.
What religion is the name Malcolm associated with?
Malcolm is associated with Christian.
Are there famous people named Malcolm?
Yes — notable people named Malcolm include Malcolm X (American Black rights activist, 1925–1965), Malcolm McDowell (British actor, born 1943), Malcolm Turnbull (Prime Minister of Australia from 2015 to 2018), Malcolm Gladwell (Canadian journalist and science writer) and Malcolm McLaren (English artist, 1946–2010).
Last updated: June 2026