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Zachary

♂ Boy

Pronounced ZAK-uh-ree /ˈzæk.ə.ri/High

Meaning: God has remembered — English form of Zechariah, from Hebrew <em>Zekharyahu</em> (Yahweh has remembered)High

In 30 seconds: The English form of the biblical Zechariah, Zachary means 'God has remembered.' It was a U.S. top-20 name in the 1990s and carries both presidential prestige and strong biblical roots.
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Origin HighHebrew, Greek
MeaningGod has remembered — English form of Zechariah, from Hebrew <em>Zekharyahu</em> (Yahweh has remembered)
Peak year1993
Total births (all-time)≈ 531,709

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199319002017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Zachary is the English form of Zechariah (also spelled Zachariah), from Hebrew Zekharyahu, meaning 'Yahweh has remembered' or 'God has remembered.' The name is borne by two significant figures in the Bible: Zechariah the prophet, and Zechariah the father of John the Baptist. It entered common English use through Biblical tradition.

Zachary was popular in the United States from the colonial period, bolstered by President Zachary Taylor. It surged into the top 20 boys' names in the 1990s and has remained popular, though somewhat below its peak. It offers a strong biblical name with a friendly nickname (Zach/Zack) and unmistakable energy.

Did you know? Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) was the 12th President of the United States and the last Whig president, dying in office just 16 months after inauguration. His presidency helped push the name into the mainstream American naming repertoire.

Variations

ZachariahZechariahZackary

Nicknames

ZachZackZak

Famous Bearers

  • ★Zachary Taylor (1784–1850)
    12th President of the United States, the last Whig president.

If you like Zachary…

Caleb— Hebrew biblical classic with the same strong Old Testament roots and American popularity
Elijah— top-ranked Hebrew biblical name popular with the same audience
Nathaniel— three-syllable Hebrew biblical name with the same dignified classic feel
Jonah— short Hebrew biblical name popular with parents drawn to Zachary's roots

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zachary mean?

Zachary is the English form of Zechariah, from Hebrew <em>Zekharyahu</em> meaning 'Yahweh has remembered' or 'God has remembered.'

How do you pronounce Zachary?

Zachary is pronounced ZAK-uh-ree /ˈzæk.ə.ri/ — three syllables with stress on the first.

Is Zachary a boy or girl name?

Zachary is a boys' name.

How popular is Zachary?

Zachary was in the U.S. top 20 boys' names in the 1990s and remains in the top 100 today.