Show ContentsMalcomb History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

In the mountains of Scotland's west coast and on the Hebrides islands, the ancestors of the Malcomb family were born. Their name comes from the Gaelic personal name "MacChaluim" which means "son of Calum," oe "son of St. Colomba." The names MacCallum and Malcolm are used interchangeably as Calum is the often Anglicized as Malcolm. [1]

Early Origins of the Malcomb family

The surname Malcomb was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they quickly attained the status of Clan. Their ancient Clan seat was at Poltalloch near Loch Craignish.

The related Clan Calum is said to have been from Ariskeodnish. One of the earliest records of the name was Reginald MacCallum of Corbarron who was made the hereditary constable of Craignish Castle in 1414. Sir Duncan Campbell granted him lands in Craignish and on Loch Avich. This arrangement demonstrates the strong alliance between the MacCallums and the Campbells of Argyll; an arrangement which made them deadly foes of the MacDonalds.

In 1647, Sir Alexander MacDonald killed Zacharie MacCallum, a supporter of the Campbell Chief, in battle at Ederline. In the 17th century, another Zachary Maccallum was bequeathed the Cobarron lands by the last of that branch.

Early History of the Malcomb family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Malcomb research. Another 270 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1562, 1647, 1665, 1779, 1793, 1800, 1850 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Malcomb History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Malcomb Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Malcolmson, Malcollm, Malcom, Malcomb, Malcome, Malcomson, Malcum, MacCallam, MacCallum and many more.

Early Notables of the Malcomb family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Malcomb Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Malcomb family to Ireland

Some of the Malcomb family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 127 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Canada Malcomb migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Malcomb Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Hugh Malcomb, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • John Malcomb, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750

Contemporary Notables of the name Malcomb (post 1700) +

  • Malcomb McKillop, American politician, Delegate to Missouri State Constitutional Convention 1st District, 1875 [2]
  • Malcomb B. Sterrett, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate in primary for U.S. Representative from Illinois 10th District, 1918 [3]


The Malcomb Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: In ardua petit
Motto Translation: He has attempted difficult things.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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