"follower/servant of Marduk (Babylonian deity)"
Origin: Babylonian
Language: Hebrew
Mordechai
Pronunciation: [ m-AWRD-uhk-eye ]
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An ancient Hebrew hero's name, carrying centuries of Jewish pride
Jewish
Hebrew
Ashkenazi
Classic
Literary
Traditional
Strong
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"little man, warrior"
Origin: Persian
Language: Hebrew
"biblical hero who saved the Jewish people"
Origin: Hebrew Bible
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Mordechai
Mordechai (also spelled Mordecai) is an ancient Hebrew name that appears prominently in the Book of Esther. Its etymology is debated: it may derive from the Babylonian god Marduk, the chief deity of Babylon, suggesting 'servant of Marduk' or 'follower of Marduk.' Alternatively, it may come from Persian roots meaning 'little man' or 'warrior.' The name entered Jewish tradition during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) and has remained a significant name in Jewish culture ever since, carried forward by the story of Mordechai who helped save the Jewish people through his niece Esther.
Mordechai remains primarily within Jewish Ashkenazi naming traditions, where it is considered a honorific and meaningful choice, often given in memory of an ancestor. It experienced a small burst of pop-culture attention through the animated series Regular Show (2010-2017), where Mordecai (spelled differently) is the main character — a blue jay.
In Judaism, Mordechai is one of the great heroes of the Purim story, celebrated every year on the holiday of Purim. He is remembered for his integrity, courage, and loyalty to his people. The name carries enormous weight in Jewish tradition and is one of the most enduring Hebrew names from the Biblical period.
Historical Record
Mordechai first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 6,578 babies have been named Mordechai in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Mordechai is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #968 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Mordechai is one of the two main characters in the Book of Esther; Purim, celebrating this story, is one of Judaism's most joyful holidays
- Mordecai Manuel Noah (1785-1851) was an American diplomat, journalist, and playwright who attempted to found a Jewish homeland on Grand Island, New York
Mordechai in Other Languages
Greek
Μαρδοχαῖος
Latin
Mardochaeus
Hebrew
מָרְדֳּכַי
Yiddish
Mottel/Mendel (diminutives)
Popularity Over Time
#968
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Mordechai
M
Mordecai Richler
Writer
1931
Celebrated Canadian author known for The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and Barney's Version
M
Mordechai
Religious
Biblical hero of the Book of Esther, Esther's cousin who refused to bow to Haman and ultimately helped save the Jewish p...
Biblical hero of the Book of Esther, Esther's cousin who refused to bow to Haman and ultimately helped save the Jewish people from destruction in ancient Persia
M
Mordecai Fictional
Other
Main character of Cartoon Network's animated series Regular Show (2010–2017), a blue jay voiced by J.G. Quintel
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 4
- Popularity Rank
- #968
- Total SSA Count
- 233
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Hebrew Ashkenazi
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Mordy
Mort
Mord
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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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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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Jewish heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Mordechai
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mordechai
What does the name Mordechai mean?
"follower/servant of Marduk (Babylonian deity)" (from Babylonian). "little man, warrior" (from Persian). "biblical hero who saved the Jewish people" (from Hebrew Bible). Mordechai (also spelled Mordecai) is an ancient Hebrew name that appears prominently in the Book of Esther. Its etymology is debated: it may derive from the Babylonian god Marduk, the chief deity of Babylon, suggesting 'servant of Marduk' or 'follower of Marduk.' Alternatively, it may come from Persian roots meaning 'little man' or 'warrior.' The name entered Jewish tradition during the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE) and has remained a significant name in Jewish culture ever since, carried forward by the story of Mordechai who helped save the Jewish people through his niece Esther.
What is the origin of the name Mordechai?
Mordechai has Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew Bible, Jewish, Hebrew, and Ashkenazi origins. In Babylonian, it means "follower/servant of Marduk (Babylonian deity)". In Persian, it means "little man, warrior". In Hebrew Bible, it means "biblical hero who saved the Jewish people".
Is Mordechai a boy or girl name?
Mordechai is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Mordechai?
Mordechai is pronounced m-AWRD-uhk-eye.
How popular is the name Mordechai?
Mordechai is currently ranked #968 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Mordechai?
Common nicknames for Mordechai include Mordy, Mort, Mord, and Kai.
What are good middle names for Mordechai?
Popular middle name pairings include Mordechai Elias, Mordechai Joseph, Mordechai David, Mordechai Samuel, Mordechai Aaron, and Mordechai Isaac.
What are good sibling names for Mordechai?
Names that pair well with Mordechai as siblings include Esther, Miriam, Devorah, Shlomo, Yitzchak, Rivka, and Elijah.
How many syllables does Mordechai have?
Mordechai has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Mordechai a common or rare name?
Mordechai is moderately common, ranked #968 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Mordechai?
About the Name Mordechai
Mordechai is a boy name with Jewish, Hebrew, and Ashkenazi origins . The name means "follower/servant of Marduk (Babylonian deity)" in Babylonian .
Mordechai is currently ranked #968 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Mordechai has 4 syllables and is pronounced m-AWRD-uhk-eye, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Mordechai include Mordy, Mort, Mord, and Kai. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Mordechai include Mordecai, 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