Mordecai
Mordecai is a boy's name of Hebrew origin.
Meaning
Servant of Marduk or follower of Marduk.
Origin and history
Mordecai is a traditional Hebrew name of Persian origin, historically linked to the biblical Book of Esther. While long recognized in religious communities, it remains relatively uncommon in broader U.S. usage, though it has seen a modest rise in recent years.
Popularity in the United States
1,650 babies in the United States have been named Mordecai since 1880. It ranks #3118 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1457.
States where it is most popular
- NY (25.9 %)
- TX (24.9 %)
- CA (17.9 %)
- FL (9.6 %)
- OH (7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 31 |
| 1920-1930 | 62 |
| 1930-1940 | 54 |
| 1940-1950 | 47 |
| 1950-1960 | 69 |
| 1960-1970 | 70 |
| 1970-1980 | 44 |
| 1980-1990 | 65 |
| 1990-2000 | 52 |
| 2000-2010 | 164 |
| 2010-2019 | 514 |
| 2020-2029 | 478 |
Famous people named Mordecai
- Mordecai Richler: Author, Novelist
- Mordecai Brown: Baseball Player
Nicknames
Morty, Cai
Fun facts
- Mordecai plays a crucial role in the Book of Esther, celebrated during the Jewish holiday of Purim.
- The name is derived from the ancient Persian or Babylonian deity name Marduk, adapted into Hebrew tradition.