Malcolm

Malcolm is a Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the personal name "Maol Coluim", which means "devotee of St. Columba". The name likely has roots in the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, which covered parts of modern-day Scotland and Ireland.

The surname Malcolm has been prevalent across Scotland, with notable concentrations in regions such as the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, and Fife. The clan associated with the name Malcolm played significant roles in Scottish history and politics, with members participating in various conflicts and alliances over the centuries.

Famous bearers of the surname Malcolm include Sir John Malcolm, a British soldier and diplomat known for his service in India during the 19th century; and David Alastair Malcolm, a Scottish politician who served as a Member of Parliament in the 20th century.

Today, the surname Malcolm remains a prominent and respected name in Scotland and among the Scottish diaspora around the world. The rich history and enduring legacy of the Malcolm family make it a significant part of Scottish heritage and genealogy.

There are approximately 8,343 people named Malcolm in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,134th most common surname in Britain. Around 128 in a million people in Britain are named Malcolm.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stuart
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Ann
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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