Zacharias
Meaning of Zacharias
Zacharias is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, derived from Zechariah and meaning “God has remembered,” that entered the Greek tradition as Ζαχαρίας and later found its way into English usage. It carries strong biblical associations—most notably the Old Testament prophet Zechariah and the New Testament figure who fathered John the Baptist—and conveys a sense of solemn heritage without feeling overwrought. In English it is typically pronounced “zuh-KAIR-ee-uhs” (/zəˈkɑɪəs/), while Greek speakers say “zah-KAH-ree-uhs” (/zaˈkarjas/) and German speakers “tsah-HAH-ree-uhs” (/tzaˈhaːriəs/). Though it has never rivaled more popular biblical names—no contest for the top spot—it has quietly endured: in 2024, 32 boys in the United States received the name (ranked 892th), down from a modest peak of 94 births in 2016 (rank 836). For parents seeking a choice that balances classical depth with understated distinction, Zacharias offers a thoughtfully reserved option.
Pronunciation
German
- Pronunced as tsah-HAH-ree-uhs (/tzaˈhaːriəs/)
Greek
- Pronunced as zah-KAH-ree-uhs (/zaˈkarjas/)
English
- Pronunced as zuh-KAIR-ee-uhs (/zəˈkɑɪəs/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Zacharias
| Zacharias Janssen was a Dutch spectacle maker sometimes credited with inventing the telescope and compound microscope, though these claims are disputed. |
| Zacharias Richard Mahabane was a South African politician and Methodist pastor who twice served as president of the African National Congress. |
| Zacharias Conrad von Uffenbach was a German scholar and book collector best known for his published travelogues. |
| Johann Martin Zacharias Dase was a German known for his remarkable mental calculation skills. |
| Zacharias Hildebrandt was a German organ builder whom Johann Sebastian Bach considered the best of his time. |
