All about the name

Mordecai

Male

« Mordecai, an uncommon yet significant name derived from Hebrew, combines "Morde," meaning rebellious, with "chai," meaning life, resulting in the meaning "rebellious life." This name carries historical weight as it belongs to a brave and loyal character in the Old Testament of the Bible who saved the Jewish people. Despite not being widespread, Mordecai has been popularized through various cultural references such as Broadway musicals and television shows, making it recognizable yet unique for those seeking depth in a name. »

#1948 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Mordecai is a unique and distinctive name with a rich history dating back to biblical times. It has its origins in the Hebrew language and is composed of two elements: "Morde," which means "rebellious," and "chai," meaning "life." Therefore, the literal translation of Mordecai is "rebellious life." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Mordecai appears as a significant character. He is a cousin of Esther, who eventually becomes queen of Persia. Mordecai is known for his loyalty and bravery, qualities that ultimately save the Jewish people from destruction during the reign of King Ahasuerus. The name Mordecai has since been popularized by various cultural references throughout history. For instance, it is the name of a character in the Broadway musical "The Band's Visit," as well as in the television series "Regular Show" and "The Venture Bros." These portrayals have contributed to making Mordecai more recognizable and appealing to modern audiences. In terms of popularity, Mordecai has never been among the most common names, which adds to its uniqueness. However, it has consistently appeared in baby name lists over the years, indicating that some parents still choose this name for their children despite its rarity. Overall, Mordecai is a name with a strong historical and cultural background, carrying with it a sense of bravery and loyalty. It may not be as widely known or used as other names, but for those who appreciate uniqueness and depth of meaning, Mordecai could be an excellent choice.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Mordecai since 1880

Total births
1,506
Total since 1880
Peak year
2022
99 births
in 2023
80
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+60%
vs previous 5 years