Mordecai

Mordecai - A very unique male name

Mordecai appeared on the charts for the first time in 1913 on position #1202. In this article you'll learn the history of this name, statistics, see famous people named Mordecai and more.
Are you having a baby or looking to learn more about the name Mordecai? Our experts and editorial staff have gathered trends and insights for 30,000+ baby names over the last 100 years -- And on this page you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the name Mordecai. The baby boy name Mordecai was given to 17 baby boys in 2025, ranking #2612 on the national boy baby name top chart.


With that position 1 in 86,252 baby boys were given this name - making this a very unique male name according to our Popularity Score algorithm. Mordecai peaked in popularity 112 years ago in 1914 on position 1155.

Famous with this name

How would you rate Mordecai, 1-5?

Mordecai is currently topping the charts in...

Did you know that popularity can vary a lot between states? Mordecai is currently topping the baby name charts in North Carolina at position #1,408 - and is the least popular in Texas at position #2,220.

Why care about state specific baby name charts? It could be that a name that is very popular on the national overall charts is less (or even more) popular where you live. So make sure you check out the state specific charts below and find out how popular or unique Mordecai is where you live.

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Mordecai origin and meaning

Hebrew (biblical)

Uncertain — the Hebrew Mordekhai is often explained from the Babylonian god Marduk, but the derivation is not settled

Mordecai is the Jewish hero of the Book of Esther, who with Esther saves his people from Haman's plot. The name was probably formed in Babylonian exile around the god Marduk's name, though that derivation is debated. In America it has always been rare, used in small numbers since 1913, and is currently falling from a 2022 peak.

Origin uncertain

Mordecai is a 8 letter name with 3 syllables.

To see famous people named Mordecai, pop culture references for the name Mordecai and nicknames & variations - visit Nameberry or Wikipedia.

Similar to Mordecai

We've found the following names that sound similar to Mordecai, sorted by popularity.

Mordechai / Martez / Mordche / Mordcha / Mordchai / Murtaza / Maritza / Martese / Martice / Mardochee /

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Name statistics

Most parents-to-be know if they want a popular or unique name, and with these charts and data tables you can easily get a better understanding of how popular or unique this name is.

With a quick glance you can easily tell if this name is increasing or declining in popularity - But note that its current popularity can actually differ a lot from state to state.

Chart position per year (visualized)

Chart position per state (visualized)

Chart position per year (table view)

Chart position per state (table view)

Even more about Mordecai

These are some of the common questions you may want to have answered to know if this is the perfect name for your baby.

Is Mordecai a common or unique name?

By analyzing the number of births and frequency of this name we've determined that it's currently a very unique male name.

What is the number of syllables for the name Mordecai?

3 syllables. Why is this important? One of the things that makes a baby name sound good and have a nice rythm is the number of syllables - and especially the number of syllables along with the syllable count for your last name. A simple rule is to avoid having the same number of syllables in your first, middle and last name.

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Pronunciation

MOR-deh-ky · /ˈmɔːrdəkaɪ/

Around the world

No traditional forms in other languages — this name was created in America in our own time.

Spellings and nicknames

• Mordechai — A closer transliteration of the Hebrew

Nicknames: CaiMordy

Famous bearers

• Mordecai — Jewish hero of the Book of Esther, who uncovers Haman's plot against his people (Biblical) Historical

Style

Biblical

Why parents choose it

A weighty biblical choice with a heroic story, chosen mostly by families who know the Book of Esther well.

Worth knowing

• Most Americans know it, if at all, from fiction's villains and eccentrics rather than from Esther