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Home › Baby Names Directory › Mordechai

Mordechai

♂ Boy

Pronounced mor-deh-KY /ˌmɔːr.dɪˈkaɪ/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Mordekhay, possibly derived from Babylonian Marduk, the chief deity of Babylon, thus meaning servant of Marduk; the name appears in the Book of Esther as a great hero and protectorMedium

In 30 seconds: Mordechai is a powerful Hebrew name with ancient Babylonian roots meaning servant of Marduk. The heroic protector of Queen Esther in the Purim story, it carries profound significance in Jewish tradition and culture.
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Origin MediumHebrew, Babylonian
MeaningFrom Hebrew Mordekhay, possibly derived from Babylonian Marduk, the chief deity of Babylon, thus meaning servant of Marduk; the name appears in the Book of Esther as a great hero and protector
U.S. rank (2025)#967 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births238 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,816

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201819502025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Mordechai appears in the Hebrew Bible (Book of Esther) as the cousin and guardian of Queen Esther, who saved the Jewish people from destruction at the hands of Haman. The name may derive from the Babylonian god Marduk, reflecting the Jewish exile in Babylon.

The name Mordechai has been in continuous use in Jewish communities since biblical times. The Yiddish form Motl or Mottel became common in Eastern European Jewish communities, while Mordechai has remained the formal Hebrew form.

Did you know? The Purim holiday, one of the most joyful festivals in the Jewish calendar, celebrates the story of Esther and Mordechai as told in the Book of Esther. Mordechai's refusal to bow to the villain Haman is the catalyst for the entire story.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Mordecai — Hebrew and Babylonian etymologyJewish Encyclopedia — Mordecai — biblical history

Variations

MordecaiMottelMord

Nicknames

MordiMortMotl

Famous Bearers

  • ★Mordechai Anielewicz (1919-1943)
    Leader of the Jewish Combat Organization in the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising
  • ★Mordechai Vanunu (1954-)
    Israeli former nuclear technician and whistleblower

If you like Mordechai…

Ezekiel— shares the Hebrew prophetic and biblical hero tradition and multi-syllable weight
Nehemiah— same Hebrew Bible narrative of courage and leadership in the face of adversity
Baruch— same Talmudic and biblical Hebrew naming tradition in Ashkenazi communities
Mordecai— another Hebrew name
Malachai— a fellow Hebrew choice

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Mordechai mean?

Mordechai possibly means servant of Marduk, from the Babylonian god Marduk. It is the name of the heroic protector of Queen Esther in the Book of Esther.

How do you pronounce Mordechai?

It is said mor-deh-KY, with three syllables and stress on the third.

Is Mordechai a Jewish name?

Yes, Mordechai is a deeply rooted Jewish name from the Book of Esther and has been in continuous use in Jewish communities for over 2,500 years.

What is the story of Mordechai?

In the Book of Esther, Mordechai is the cousin and protector of Queen Esther who helps her save the Jewish people from the villain Haman; his story is celebrated at the Purim festival.

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