Mordechai is a Hebrew masculine given name that translates to "servant of God" or "servant of the Lord." The name is derived from the Hebrew elements מוֹר (mor), meaning "myrrh," and דָּאִי (dai), which means "from" or "out of."
The name Mordechai first appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Esther. In this story, Mordechai is a Jewish man who lives in Persia during the time of King Ahasuerus. He is a wise and courageous individual who saves the king's life and ultimately helps his cousin Esther become queen. As a result, he plays a significant role in saving the Jewish people from persecution.
Throughout history, the name Mordechai has been popular among Jewish communities. It has also been adopted by non-Jewish families who are drawn to its unique sound and meaning. Today, Mordechai is still used as a given name for boys, particularly within Jewish families but also among those of other backgrounds.
In terms of famous individuals named Mordechai, one notable example is Rabbi Mordchai ben Hillel (1290-1358), a prominent Torah scholar and Talmudic commentator. Another is Mordechai Anielewicz (1919-1943), who led the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising during World War II.
In summary, Mordechai is an ancient Hebrew name that means "servant of God." It has historical significance, appearing in the Book of Esther and being carried by notable figures throughout Jewish history. Today, it remains a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents seeking a unique name for their sons.
The name Mordechai has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only 8 births recorded in 1950, the number of babies named Mordechai remained relatively low throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, with an average of about 7 births per year.
However, starting from the late 1960s, there was a noticeable increase in the number of newborns given the name Mordechai. In 1969, there were 14 babies named Mordechai, and this number continued to rise steadily throughout the 1970s, reaching 32 births in 1975 and 47 births in 1978.
The 1980s marked a significant turning point for the name Mordechai. The number of annual births with this name began to fluctuate more dramatically, ranging from a low of 34 in 1980 to a high of 96 in 1994. This decade also saw some notable peaks in popularity, such as 75 births in 1991 and 86 births in 1992.
The trend of increasing popularity for the name Mordechai continued into the new millennium. Between 2000 and 2010, there were an average of about 140 babies named Mordechai each year. This number then began to climb even higher, reaching 165 births in 2009 and surpassing 200 births per year for the first time ever in 2011.
The most recent data shows that the name Mordechai has maintained its high level of popularity in recent years. Between 2017 and 2023, there have been an average of approximately 245 babies named Mordechai per year in the United States. The highest number recorded during this period was 313 births in 2018.
In total, since records began in 1950 up until 2023, there have been 6,332 newborns named Mordechai in the United States. This impressive figure is a testament to the enduring appeal and growing popularity of this unique name among American parents.