Names That Mean Devotee

Malcolm is a warm and welcoming Scottish appellation (originally Mael-Colium) that fits into that golden circle of names that are distinctive but not at all odd. A royal name in Scotland, Malcolm is also a hero name for many via radical civil rights activist Malcolm X.

One of the ultimate teasable names, an Irish saint's name now associated with the oversized comic-strip dog. Scottish adventurer Bear (born Edward) Grylls took up the challenge when he used it for his son.

Classic Irish surname with a lot of character and some interesting associations: the title character of a Samuel Beckett novel and basketball great Karl Malone. Malone is a popular name for baby boys in France.

A nickname for Malcolm that at one point ranked independently on the US Top 1000. It still exists as an affectionate pet form, but you’re unlikely to hear a Malcolm introduce himself as Mal.

Form of Panagiotis

This may be a phonetic variation of Malcolm, but it just looks...wrong. Be prepared for spelling corrections.

Too close to baloney.

Currently more popular among baby girls than boys — perhaps due to the association with Irish folksong "Molly Malone."

From the Greek title of the Virgin Mary, Panagia, which "all holy".

Striking Sanskrit name that could easily cross cultures.

Form of Panagiota

From the Greek title of the Virgin Mary, Panagia, which "all holy".