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.
The name Mordecai has had a fascinating journey in terms of its popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, it started off quite strong with 9 births in 1913, but then fluctuated between 5 and 11 births per year until 1933.
From 1942 to 1978, the name's popularity dipped significantly, with fewer than 10 births each year. However, starting from 1979, we see a steady increase in its popularity, reaching double digits by 1981 and peaking at 29 births in 2011.
The years 2013 to 2022 have seen a significant surge in the number of babies named Mordecai, with over 50 births each year. In fact, 2022 saw an impressive 99 births, indicating that the name is currently enjoying considerable popularity among parents.
Over the course of history, a total of 1506 babies have been named Mordecai in the United States. This data shows us how the tide of popularity can ebb and flow over time for a particular name, with Mordecai demonstrating both periods of obscurity and moments of vogue.