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Colm

Boy name · 62 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Colm: 62 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 7 births in 1999.

Colm is a name of Irish and Scottish Gaelic origin, derived from the Latin *columba* meaning "dove." It shares its root with the more famous Scottish saint, Columba, who brought Christianity to Scotland, and the name essentially serves as a shorter, modern variant. Notable bearers include beloved Irish actor Colm Meaney and acclaimed novelist Colm Tóibín, giving the name a strong literary and screen presence. While no major places are named directly after Colm, the saint’s original name Columba appears in locations like Iona’s St. Columba’s Bay. In Scotland, Colm has a quiet, steady popularity, often chosen for its soft yet distinctive sound—a neat balance of traditional and understated, much like the bird it represents.