Recent in Baby
When Baby Resists SolidsWhen Baby Resists SolidsBaby Biting TipsBaby Biting Tips5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair Injuries5 Tips To Help Prevent Highchair InjuriesWhen Baby and Pet MeetWhen Baby and Pet MeetTreatments for ColicTreatments for ColicBaby Milestones – The First YearBaby Milestones – The First YearTips for Relieving Teething PainTips for Relieving Teething PainBenefits of Making Your Own Baby FoodBenefits of Making Your Own Baby Food

Home › Baby Names Directory › Mal

Mal

♂ Boy

Pronounced MAL /ˈmæl/High

Meaning: Mal is a short form of names beginning with Mal-, chiefly Malcolm (Scottish Gaelic, 'devotee of St. Columba'), and also Malachi or Malik. Used as a stand-alone nickname-name; we note the route.Low

In 30 seconds: A crisp short name: Mal is a nickname for Malcolm and other Mal- names (said 'MAL'). We note the route.
💕 Browse more names
Origin LowScottish, English
MeaningMal is a short form of names beginning with Mal-, chiefly Malcolm (Scottish Gaelic, 'devotee of St. Columba'), and also Malachi or Malik. Used as a stand-alone nickname-name; we note the route.
U.S. rank (2025)#9403 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births8 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1950
Total births (all-time)≈ 343

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 195018802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

As a boy's name, Mal is a short form of Mal- names, chiefly Malcolm. Compact and casual, it reads as a nickname-name standing on its own; we note the route (said 'MAL').

It appears only rarely for boys in the U.S. as a formal name. Rare, crisp, and nickname-style.

Did you know? Mal is the brisk short form behind Malcolm ('devotee of St. Columba'), Malachi, and Malik — used on its own as a punchy nickname-name, which we note (said 'MAL').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Mal — Short form of Malcolm and other Mal- names

Variations

MallyMalcMalcolm

Nicknames

MallyMalc

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Mal…

Malcolm— the fuller name Mal shortens
Malachi— a like Mal- rooted boy's name
Malik— a like Mal- starting pick
Cal— a like crisp short nickname-name

Explore names like Mal

By themeuncertainshortnickname-namescottish
By meaningLeader

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Mal mean?

Mal is a short form of Mal- names, chiefly Malcolm ('devotee of St. Columba'); we note the route.

How do you pronounce Mal?

It's said MAL /ˈmæl/ — one syllable.

Is Mal a boy or girl name?

Here Mal is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Mal?

Mal is a rare name for boys in the U.S. as a formal name.

💬 Ask Nia