Mordechai is a Hebrew given name that means "servant of God." It is derived from the Hebrew word "mord" which means "myrrh," and the ending "-ei" signifies possession or belonging to. Therefore, Mordechai literally translates to "myrrh of God."
The name Mordechai appears in the biblical Book of Esther, where he is a cousin and adoptive father of Queen Esther, who saved the Jewish people from annihilation during the Persian Empire. In this story, Mordechai is portrayed as a wise and courageous man who refuses to bow down to Haman, the king's advisor, and eventually exposes Haman's plot against the Jews.
Throughout history, Mordechai has been a popular name among Jewish communities, with notable figures bearing this name including Mordecai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, and Mordechai Anielewicz, who led the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during World War II. Today, Mordechai remains a beloved name in Jewish families around the world.
In terms of its origin, Mordechai is an ancient Hebrew name with deep historical roots. Its meaning, "servant of God," reflects the religious and spiritual significance attributed to names in Jewish culture. While it may not be as commonly used today as some other Hebrew names like David or Samuel, Mordechai continues to hold a special place in Jewish tradition and identity.
In the United States, the name Mordochai was given to five babies in 1990. This is according to data from the Social Security Administration. While this may not seem like a large number, it represents the total births with that name recorded for that year.
It's important to note that names can change in popularity over time, and Mordochai may have been more popular in previous years or decades. However, based on the available data from 1990, we know that five families chose this unique name for their newborn sons.
This information can be useful for people who are considering naming their child Mordochai or who are interested in learning more about less common names. It's always fascinating to explore the stories behind these unique names and the families who choose them.
Overall, while Mordochai may not be one of the most popular baby names in the United States, it is still an important part of our cultural tapestry. Each name has its own significance and history, and every child deserves a name that reflects their individuality and uniqueness.