Mordechai Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Mordechai is a Hebrew name that means 'warrior' or 'man' and is linked to the ancient god Marduk. It has evolved from its ancient Hebrew form to modern variants used in various cultures. The name is closely associated with the biblical figure Mordechai from the Book of Esther, who played a crucial role in Jewish history. Today, it is perceived positively, symbolizing bravery and commitment, especially within Jewish communities.
The name Mordechai is most popular in New York, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Mordechai has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Mordechai' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3636th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1835th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1340th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1131st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 944th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Mordechai' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Mordechai"
Pronunciation
/mɔːr.dəˈkaɪ/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Mordechai is derived from the Hebrew name 'Mordekhai,' which is thought to be related to the Persian word 'mard,' meaning 'man' or 'warrior.' It may also be linked to the god Marduk, a significant figure in ancient Babylonian culture.
Meaning
Warrior, man, servant of God
Language Evolution
Mordekhai (Ancient Hebrew), Mordechai (Modern Hebrew), Mordecai (English)
Biblical Background
Mordechai is a prominent figure in the Book of Esther in the Hebrew Bible, known for his role in saving the Jewish people from persecution.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity among Jewish communities, especially during the medieval period, and has remained a common name in Jewish culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Mordecai, Mordechai, Mordy
Modern Popularity & Image
Mordechai is viewed positively within Jewish communities and is associated with bravery and loyalty due to its biblical connections.
Famous People
Mordechai Anielewicz, a leader in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, Mordechai Narkiss, an Israeli painter and art educator
Explore More Mordechai Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Mordechai"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Mordechai"
"Mordechai" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3636th of 7552 | 92 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1835th of 10718 | 389 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1340th of 16616 | 1,037 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1131st of 24088 | 2,309 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 944th of 23106 | 2,751 |
Regional Popularity of "Mordechai" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
37.45% 910th/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
18.49% 644th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
10.55% 472nd/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
6.25% 323rd/5164 |
50.91% 3723rd/7313 |
62.48% 4663rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
5.59% 251st/4487 |
62.77% 4282nd/6822 |
60.95% 3825th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Mordechai" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Mordechai"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Mordechai" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.