Is the name [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] usable for a baby that is going to be white?
I had picked this name out months ago for my baby boy, who is due in a week, so I realize this is last minute to be asking. I love this name. It sounds gentle and strong. [name_f]Regal[/name_f]. It sounds great with my last name. I know that the name is popular in the black community (clearly [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] X is one of the most famous bearers of the name). This doesn’t bother me, but I’ve had three family members bring up the fact that we are using a black name, the most recent being my father-in-law this afternoon when he found out the name, and it’s making me feel less confident in my choice if that’s a go-to first comment (I’ve probably told 20 people the name so this feels like a high percentage). Am I culturally appropriating? I basically have no backups and am not sure what to think. I guess what I really wish is that people heard the name and loved it, but maybe I’m asking too much. For reference, I am located in a city, but am from a rural area in a not particularly diverse part of the US, and it does seem like that could be impacting the first reactions. What do you think, Berries?
I’m white myself, so I don’t know how other ethnicities would feel about this, but imo you have nothing to worry about. [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] is a well-established name that was used before [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] X and doesn’t feel distinctly tied to him and him alone. I wouldn’t think twice about it if I met a white child named [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m], and honestly [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] X wouldn’t cross my mind at all unless someone else brought up the connection.
Yes, you can. It’s not an “automatically” [name_m]Black[/name_m] name. In fact, it’s a traditional Scottish name borne by a lot of people through history. Then there’s [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] in the Middle. It’s even Shakespearean, via Macbeth.
However, I would certainly read up on [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] X, even if you aren’t naming your child directly after him, since the name often recalls this imposing and complex figure in American history. I find him to be a good namesake, if you take the whole story arc of his life. Nation of Islam is a little out there, to me, though I understand some of their criticism of our society. However, [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] X had a history before joining this group and was actually eventually assassinated by people connected to it, after he’d embraced a more universal vision. You can then answer honestly, well although we didn’t name our son directly after [name_m]Malcolm[/name_m] X, we admire his place in history. And then be able to speak to that a little if anyone asks. That would show respect and awareness without appropriation. It would be a good piece of education for your child, too. We need these bridges of respect and understanding these days.
Thank you for the thoughtful responses! I feel reassured already that this is a great name that can work for my baby. Can’t wait for him to make his arrival.