Origin
Hebrew, from זְכַרְיָה (Zekharyah), meaning 'The Lord has remembered'. The name appears in the Old Testament as the father of John the Baptist, making it a historical biblical name used across Christian communities in Australia since colonial times. It is also found in Christian liturgical calendars and has been adopted into various languages through religious influence.
Meaning
'The Lord has remembered'. In the Australian context, it often connotes religious faith, historic continuity, and a connection to biblical heritage, valued across Christian communities including Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant groups.
Pronunciation
/zækəˈraɪə/ (Australian English pronunciation, stress on the second syllable) [ZAK-uh-rye-uh] in colloquial speech, with a softer 'z' depending on region
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Zacharias
- Zachary
- Zechariah
- Zachariah
Nicknames
- Zach
- Zachy
- Zac
Name Days
- 24 June (St. Zachary's Day, commemorating Jesus' ancestor)
- 1 September (Feast of Zachary and Elizabeth in some Christian calendars)
- Other local or denominational observances as per church tradition
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with zachariah:
- Zach and Zackary
- Zacharie and Zachariah
- Benjamin and Zachary
Fun Facts
- The name Zachariah has historically been popular among early Australian settlers with biblical naming traditions.
- Famous bearer: Zachariah the prophet is often referenced in Australian religious literature and hymnody.
- In Australian popular culture, derivatives of Zachariah are often used in music and arts, reflecting its biblical roots.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name zachariah:
- Religious
- Traditional
- Reliable
- Loyal
Aesthetic Qualities
Classic and stately, with a strong consonant-vowel structure. Visually balanced and timeless in typography, often paired with traditional or biblical-sounding middle names.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in the eastern states—New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland—owing to stronger Christian church communities, though used nationwide with less frequency in Indigenous communities.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spirituality, and wisdom according to numerology principles in Australia. It enhances reflective and thoughtful personality traits.
Astrological Connections
Associated with the zodiac signs Scorpio and Sagittarius, indicating traits such as intensity, ambition, and exploration, fitting well with the name's historic and spiritual resonance.
Historical Context
Prominent in biblical history and Christian tradition, with many noted figures in Australian religious and cultural history bearing the name. The prophet Zachariah is also referenced in Australian hymnody and Christian art.
Linguistic Adaptability
Widely adaptable, with variants appearing in multiple languages and scripts, including Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and modern European languages. The name retains its Christian liturgical form in Australia.
Famous People Named zachariah
- Zachary (Actor, known for roles in Australian film)
- Zachariah (Fictional character in Australian literature)
- Zachary Johnson (Australian sportsman)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 4 |
2017 | 4 |
2016 | 1 |
2015 | 5 |
2014 | 3 |