Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Malcolum

      Origin

      Scottish/gaelic

      Meaning

      Follower of St. Columba

      Variations

      Malcolm, Malcolmina, Malcolmeena
      The name Malcolm originates from the Scottish Gaelic name Maolmhuire, which translates to follower of St. Columba or devotee of St. Columba. St. Columba, a 6th-century missionary and one of the founders of Christianity in Scotland, is a significant figure in Scottish history. The prefix Maol means devotee or follower, while Columba refers to St. Columba himself, whose contributions to the Christian faith and Irish-Scottish relations have been widely recognized.

      Malcolm has deep historical roots, particularly in Scotland. The name became prominent through various historical figures, including Malcolm III, who was king of Scots in the 11th century. His reign marked a significant period of consolidation for the Scottish crown and the integration of Gaelic and Norse cultures. The name continued to resonate through the ages, appearing in royal lineages and notable families, further establishing its connection to Scottish heritage.

      In contemporary society, the name Malcolm remains popular in various English-speaking countries, often associated with traits of leadership and devotion. It appears in diverse contexts, from literature to film, notably in works such as Shakespeare's Macbeth, where Malcolm is portrayed as a noble character seeking to restore order. Additionally, modern-day bearers of the name, such as influential politicians and public figures, have helped maintain its relevance and appeal, ensuring that Malcolm remains a name with both historical significance and contemporary significance.

      Based on our records...

      Biggs

      This is the most common surname associated with Malcolum.

      Hannah

      This is the most common name of those married to a Malcolum.

      Duncan

      This is the most common name for a child of a Malcolum.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1891 is when there were the most people born with the first name Malcolum.

      Explore the origins of another name.