Find out how popular the first name Mordecai has been for the last 47 years (from 1977 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Mordecai by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Mordecai is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 80 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Mordecai.

The history of the first name Mordecai

The name Mordecai has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew words "Mor Dekhya", which translate to "pure myrrh" or "warrior". The earliest known recorded instance of the name Mordecai dates back to the 5th century BCE, when it was mentioned in the biblical Book of Esther.

In the Book of Esther, Mordecai is described as a Jewish exile living in Persia during the reign of King Ahasuerus. He is credited with foiling a plot to assassinate the king and is also the cousin of Esther, who later becomes the queen of Persia. The story of Mordecai and Esther is celebrated annually during the Jewish festival of Purim.

One of the earliest known historical figures to bear the name Mordecai was Mordecai ben Hillel, a prominent Jewish scholar who lived in Germany during the 13th century. He was a renowned authority on Jewish law and authored several influential works on religious subjects.

In the 16th century, Mordecai Comtino was a renowned Italian Jewish scholar and philosopher. He was born in 1420 in Constantinople and is best known for his philosophical treatise "Or Adonai" (The Light of the Lord), which explored the relationship between Judaism and Greek philosophy.

Another notable figure named Mordecai was Mordecai Sheftall, a Jewish-American revolutionary who lived in the 18th century. He was born in 1737 in Savannah, Georgia, and played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a commissary officer for the Continental Army.

In the 19th century, Mordecai Manuel Noah was a prominent American playwright, journalist, and diplomat. He was born in 1785 in Philadelphia and is best known for his efforts to establish a Jewish homeland on Grand Island, located in the Niagara River between New York and Ontario.

Mordecai Wyatt Johnson, born in 1890, was an American educator and minister who served as the first black president of Howard University from 1926 to 1960. He played a pivotal role in advancing educational opportunities for African Americans and was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Mordecai was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Mordecai, please contact us.

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