Meaning and background
The story behind Mordecai
Mordecai has a Persian explanation in Behind the Name, connecting it with service to Marduk. The reference also identifies the Biblical Mordecai as Esther’s cousin and foster father. The linguistic account and the Biblical narrative are distinct parts of its background. For a dog, either a family tradition or a Biblical namesake may inspire the choice, while the historical meaning should remain attached to the documented Persian account.
- Origin
- Persian name explained as servant of Marduk; also borne by Esther’s Biblical cousin and foster father. Source
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About Mordecai
Recorded as a dog’s name
Mordecai appears in 2 dog licence records in the 2016 New York City dataset.
How to read this count
These records cover New York City and may count the same dog in more than one licence period. They are not a national popularity ranking.
Pronunciation and rhythm
/mɔɹdəkaɪ/
US English sound sequence, converted from the CMU dictionary. Stress marks are shown separately.
Stress on the first syllable in the recorded US readings.
View dictionary notation
/mɔɹdəkaɪ/ · primary stress on syllable 1M AO1 R D AH0 K AY2
These are US dictionary readings. Personal, regional and other language pronunciations may differ.
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Sources and research notes (3)
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene NYC Dog Licensing Dataset — all seven available extract years, retrieved 24 October 2026 — Recorded name spellings in NYC licence-period rows, extract years 2016–2018, 2022–2024 and 2026. Evidence selects one stated year per name. Annual snapshots overlap; never sum them as unique dogs. No national popularity, etymology or owner naming-intent claim.
- Carnegie Mellon University / CMU Sphinx maintainers CMU US English Pronouncing Dictionary — US English dictionary readings; not owner-specific or exhaustive multilingual pronunciation
- City of Seattle Seattle Pet Licenses — DOG-only name aggregate, current source dated 6 October 2026 — Secondary spelling corroboration from dog-only licence rows. No cats, owner fields, national ranking or unique-dog claim.
References support the individual facts shown. A source link does not mean the entire profile has been verified.