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Zakai

♂ Boy

Pronounced zah-KY /zɑːˈkaɪ/High

Meaning: Pure; innocent — a Hebrew name related to the root zakah, meaning to be clean or innocentHigh

In 30 seconds: A modern Hebrew-rooted boys' name meaning 'pure,' Zakai blends the ancient virtue of innocence with a crisp, contemporary two-syllable sound.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningPure; innocent — a Hebrew name related to the root zakah, meaning to be clean or innocent
U.S. rank (2025)#563 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births528 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 4,048

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202519982025

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

History & Origin

Zakai derives from the Hebrew root zakah, meaning to be pure, clean, or innocent. The related biblical name Zaccai appears in Ezra 2:9, listing returnees from Babylonian captivity. The modern spelling Zakai emerged as parents sought fresh takes on classic Hebrew names in the late 20th century.

Zakai gained traction in American naming culture during the 2010s, appealing to parents who wanted a name with genuine Hebrew roots but a sleeker, more modern spelling than traditional Zachary or Zaccai. Its strong K sound and open vowel ending give it energy while the meaning adds depth.

Did you know? Zakai is a variant spelling of the biblical name Zaccai, which appears in the Book of Ezra as the ancestor of a group that returned from the Babylonian exile.
Overall data confidence 88%
Behind the Name — Zaccai — etymology and biblical contextU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ZaccaiZakaiZakiZakkai

Nicknames

ZakKai

Famous Bearers

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If you like Zakai…

Zion— shares Hebrew origin and the same punchy modern appeal
Ezra— fellow short Hebrew name with a biblical root and contemporary feel
Kai— shares the '-kai' ending and the same crisp two-syllable energy
Levi— another concise Hebrew name popular with modern parents

Frequently Asked

What does the name Zakai mean?

Zakai is a Hebrew name meaning 'pure' or 'innocent,' from the root zakah, meaning to be clean.

How do you pronounce Zakai?

Zakai is pronounced zah-KY — two syllables with stress on the second.

Is Zakai a biblical name?

Yes. The related form Zaccai appears in Ezra 2:9 as an ancestor of returning exiles from Babylon.

Is Zakai a boy or girl name?

Zakai is used primarily as a boys' name.