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.