Zachary (Zac) - Names
Meaning of the name Zachary (Zac)
Gender:
Male
Meaning:
‘Yahweh remembers’ (from Hebrew: Zekharyah)
History & etymology:
Zachary is a Biblical name that ultimately derives from Hebrew Zekharyah (anglicized as Zechariah), meaning ‘Yahweh remembers’. The modern English spelling is modeled on the Greek equivalent of the name, Zacharias.
The name in its various forms has been used (though rarely) in England since the Protestant Reformation.
The patron saint of the name is St. Zachary. He was a 1st century priest in Jerusalem. His wife, Elisabeth was Virgin Mary’s cousin. According to the Gospel of Luke, one day the angel Gabriel told Zachary that Elisabeth would give birth to a son. Zachary did not believe this as Elisabeth was well past the child-bearing age. As a punishment for his distrust, he was “struck dumb” and “unable to speak” until the day his son was born. The baby was named John, soon to be known as John the Baptist.
St. Zachary’s feast day is celebrated on 5th November.
Alternative spellings & nicknames:
Zachery, Zackary, Zackery, Zachariah, Zacharias
Short forms: Zac, Zack, Zak, Zach
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Bulgaria
5th September: Zahari
Croatia
5th November: Zakarija
France
5th November: Zacharie
Germany
5th November: Zacharias
Italy
5th November: S. Zaccaria profeta
Poland
5th November: Zachaariasz
Spain
26th May, 5th November: Zacarías
USA
24th November: Zachary, Zachery, Zackary, Zackery, Zachariah
Famous people named Zachary/Zackary/Zac:
Zackary Arthur (2007-) - American actor
Zac Brown (1978-) - American country singer
Zac Efron (1987-) - American actor
Zachary Gordon (1998-) - American actor
Zac Hanson (1985-) - American pop singer
Zachary Knighton (1978-) - American actor
Zachary Levi (1980-) - American actor
Zac Posen (1980-) - American fashion designer
Zachary Scott (1914 - 1965) - American actor
Zachary Taylor (1784 - 1850) - former US President
Zachary Quinto (1977-) - American actor
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015)
USA: 88th
England and Wales: 41st
Canada: 42nd
Australia: 47th
New Zealand: 64th
Northern Ireland: 87th
Lucky colors: white, blue
Lucky stone: Opal
Ruling planet: Saturn
Characteristics: trusting, uncomplaining, optimistic, cheerful, open