James vs Mordechai

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

James

Boy #5 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"supplanter, one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Scottish Biblical

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#5
Total SSA Count
11,793
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Jim, Jimmy, Jamie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Mordechai

Boy #968 Most Popular 4 Syllables

Meaning

"follower/servant of Marduk (Babylonian deity)"

Origin: Babylonian

Cultural Roots

Jewish Hebrew Ashkenazi

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#968
Total SSA Count
233
Syllables
4
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Mordy, Mort, Mord

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Mordechai →

Popularity Comparison

James Rank #5
Mordechai Rank #968

James is more popular, ranked #5 vs #968 for Mordechai.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

James ___

  • James Alexander
  • James William
  • James Thomas
  • James Edward
  • James Henry
  • James Patrick

Mordechai ___

  • Mordechai Elias
  • Mordechai Joseph
  • Mordechai David
  • Mordechai Samuel
  • Mordechai Aaron
  • Mordechai Isaac

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose James

Charlotte Olivia Emma William Henry

If you choose Mordechai

Esther Miriam Devorah Shlomo Yitzchak

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is James or Mordechai more popular?

James is more popular, ranked #5 compared to Mordechai at #968 in the United States.

What do James and Mordechai mean?

James means "supplanter, one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). Mordechai means "follower/servant of Marduk (Babylonian deity)" (Babylonian origin).

Are James and Mordechai boy or girl names?

James is primarily a boy name. Mordechai is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: James ← Full profile: Mordechai Browse all baby names