Mordechai: meaning of the Hebrew name
מָרְדֳּכַי
Pronounced mor-deh-KHIGH
Meaning of Mordechai
Mordechai is Mordecai the Jew, hero of the Book of Esther, who refused to bow down and acted wisely to save his people. The name has its origins in ancient Babylon.
There was a certain Jew in Shushan the castle, whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair the son of Shimei the son of Kish, a Benjamite,
אִישׁ יְהוּדִי הָיָה בְּשׁוּשַׁן הַבִּירָה וּשְׁמוֹ מׇרְדֳּכַי בֶּן יָאִיר בֶּן־שִׁמְעִי בֶּן־קִישׁ אִישׁ יְמִינִי׃
Mordechai in Hebrew
Mordechai is written מרדכי in Hebrew (with vowel points: מָרְדֳּכַי). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- מMem
- רResh
- דDalet
- כKaf
- יYod
Gematria value: 274 (Mem 40 + Resh 200 + Dalet 4 + Kaf 20 + Yod 10)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- MeaningMordecai of Esther
- Pronunciationmor-deh-KHIGH
- Hebrewמרדכי
- Syllables3
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Mordechai ranked #31 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (520 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #31, in 2023 and 2024.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 31 | 520 |
| 2023 | 31 | 545 |
| 2022 | 36 | 489 |
| 2021 | 40 | 489 |
| 2020 | 34 | 531 |
| 2019 | 38 | 506 |
| 2018 | 37 | 500 |
| 2017 | 46 | 435 |
| 2016 | 41 | 475 |
| 2015 | 43 | 437 |
| 2014 | 44 | 436 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Mordechai
What does the name Mordechai mean?
Mordechai is Mordecai the Jew, hero of the Book of Esther, who refused to bow down and acted wisely to save his people. The name has its origins in ancient Babylon.
How do you pronounce Mordechai?
Mordechai is pronounced mor-deh-KHIGH in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Mordechai in Hebrew?
Mordechai is written מרדכי in Hebrew (with vowel points: מָרְדֳּכַי).
Is Mordechai a biblical name?
Yes. Mordechai appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Esther 2:5.
How popular is the name Mordechai in Israel?
In 2024, Mordechai ranked #31 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (520 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #31, in 2023 and 2024. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Mordechai?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling מרדכי adds up to 274 (Mem 40 + Resh 200 + Dalet 4 + Kaf 20 + Yod 10).
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