Malcolm

Gaelic Name: Mac Mhaol Chaluim

Clan Crest: A tower Argent, window and port Azure

Clan Motto: In Ardua Tendit (He aims at difficult things)

Origin of Name: Gaelic, MacColuimb (Devotee of St. Columba)

Clan Badge: Montain ash

Lands: Argyll, Fife, Lochore, and Dumfriesshire

Clan Chief: Robin N. L. Malcolm of Poltalloch.

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Malcolm Clan History

Malcolm is derived from the Gaelic word 'Maol,' which means'shaved-head,' and was originally used to refer to a monk. 'Maol Chalum' can thus be translated as'monk' or 'disciple of Columba'.

Although they are sometimes shown as alternative names for the same clan, the connection between the names Malcolm and MacCallum is shrouded in mystery. However, no definitive link has been established between the two - the name Colm was common in many areas of Celtic settlement; the name Malcolm appears as a distinct surname in parts of Dunbartonshire and Stirlingshire in the fourteenth century; and the MacCallum family was known to own lands in Lorne, Argyllshire.

However, in the eighteenth century, the two names were combined when the chief of the MacCallums, Dugald MacCallum of Poltalloch, took the name Malcolm. It was unclear why he did this, but it appears that he thought the two names were interchangeable!

Throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the Malcolm family had a strong reputation for military and naval success. In addition, more than one of the clan's chiefs has entered politics, the most recent of which was Sir Iain Malcolm, who was a Member of Parliament until 1919.

The Malcolm clan's family seat is still Duntrune Castle, where the family has lived for centuries.

Malcolm Places & People

Clan Malcolm People

John Malcolm, Sir

Major-General Sir John Malcolm (1769 – 1833)

He was a well-known soldier, diplomat, statesman, and historian. He wrote and published several works on India, and his history of Persia is widely regarded as one of the most important by historians.

Dugald MacCallum (b.1802)

He changed his surname to Malcolm after becoming chief of the MacCallum clan.

Malcolm, John Winfield (d.1902)

He was elevated to the peerage as Baron Malcolm of Poltalloch after serving as a distinguished parliamentarian.

Malcolm Tartans

Malcolm the Elder

Malcolm Contemporary

Malcolm Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Malcolm Crest

Crest Description: An Argent tower with a window and port Azure.

Coats of Arms for Malcolm:

A word about Coats of Arms:

A coat of arms is granted to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exceptions noted above, the arms depicted below are personal arms. Only the person who has been granted these weapons has the right to use them.