"servant of Marduk"
Origin: Babylonian
Language: Hebrew
Mordecai
Pronunciation: [ m-AWRD-uhk-eye ]
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The brave biblical hero who saved his people
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Meaning & Origin
"little man, warrior"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Mordecai
Mordecai is a Hebrew rendering of the Babylonian name Mardukaya, meaning servant of Marduk (the chief Babylonian deity) or little man. In the Book of Esther, Mordecai is the Jewish hero who raises his orphaned cousin Esther and ultimately exposes the plot of the villain Haman, saving the Persian Jewish community. The story is celebrated annually at the Jewish festival of Purim. The name has been used continuously in Jewish communities for over 2,500 years.
Mordecai saw renewed interest in secular circles in the 2010s as parents sought bold Old Testament names with literary weight. The animated series Regular Show (2010-2017) featured a main character named Mordecai, introducing the name to a new generation.
In Judaism, Mordecai is one of the most celebrated biblical heroes. The Purim story, read each year from the Book of Esther (Megillah), keeps his memory central to Jewish religious life. He represents courage, wisdom, and loyalty to his people.
Historical Record
Mordecai first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,386 babies have been named Mordecai in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mordecai is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,048 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mordecai appears 58 times in the Book of Esther, making him one of the most-mentioned individuals in that book
- The Purim festival, celebrated by Jews worldwide, commemorates the events of Mordecai and Esther's story
Mordecai in Other Languages
Greek
Μαρδοχαίος
Arabic
مردخاي
Hebrew
מָרְדֳּכַי
Spanish
Mardoqueo
Yiddish
מרדכי
Popularity Over Time
#2,048
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mordecai
M
Mordecai Richler
Writer
1931
Acclaimed Canadian novelist known for The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and Barney's Version
M
Mordecai Fictional
Other
Main character in Cartoon Network's Regular Show (2010-2017), a blue jay working as a groundskeeper
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,048
- Total SSA Count
- 74
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Hebrew Christian American
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mordy
Mort
Kai
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mordecai
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mordecai
What does the name Mordecai mean?
"servant of Marduk" (from Babylonian). "little man, warrior" (from Hebrew). Mordecai is a Hebrew rendering of the Babylonian name Mardukaya, meaning servant of Marduk (the chief Babylonian deity) or little man. In the Book of Esther, Mordecai is the Jewish hero who raises his orphaned cousin Esther and ultimately exposes the plot of the villain Haman, saving the Persian Jewish community. The story is celebrated annually at the Jewish festival of Purim. The name has been used continuously in Jewish communities for over 2,500 years.
What is the origin of the name Mordecai?
Mordecai has Babylonian, Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, and American origins. In Babylonian, it means "servant of Marduk". In Hebrew, it means "little man, warrior".
Is Mordecai a boy or girl name?
Mordecai is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mordecai?
Mordecai is pronounced m-AWRD-uhk-eye.
How popular is the name Mordecai?
Mordecai is currently ranked #2048 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mordecai?
Common nicknames for Mordecai include Mordy, Mort, and Kai.
What are good middle names for Mordecai?
Popular middle name pairings include Mordecai James, Mordecai Aaron, Mordecai Elijah, Mordecai Solomon, Mordecai David, and Mordecai Isaac.
What are good sibling names for Mordecai?
Names that pair well with Mordecai as siblings include Ezra, Solomon, Obadiah, Miriam, Esther, and Hadassah.
How many syllables does Mordecai have?
Mordecai has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Mordecai a common or rare name?
Mordecai is an uncommon name, ranked #2048 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Mordecai?
About the Name Mordecai
Mordecai is a boy name with Jewish, Hebrew, Christian, and American origins . The name means "servant of Marduk" in Babylonian .
Mordecai is currently ranked #2,048 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mordecai has 3 syllables and is pronounced m-AWRD-uhk-eye, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Mordecai include Mordy, Mort, and Kai. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mordecai include Mordechai, Mordche . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis