Malcom vs Alister

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Malcom

Boy #1,750 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"devotee of Saint Columba"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Scottish English African-American

✓ All Clear

Boy #1,650 Most Popular 3 Syllables

"defender of men"

Origin: Greek via Gaelic

Scottish British Irish

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Malcom Rank #1,750

Alister Rank #1,650

Alister is more popular, ranked #1650 vs #1750 for Malcom.

Is Malcom or Alister more popular?

Alister is more popular, ranked #1650 compared to Malcom at #1750 in the United States.

What do Malcom and Alister mean?

Malcom means "devotee of Saint Columba" (Scottish Gaelic origin). Alister means "defender of men" (Greek via Gaelic origin).

Are Malcom and Alister boy or girl names?

Malcom is primarily a boy name. Alister is primarily a boy name.