Origin
Derived from the Latin name 'Zacharias', itself originating from the Hebrew name 'Zakharya', meaning 'The Lord has remembered'. Historically, the name appears in biblical texts as the name of the father of John the Baptist. In European history, variations such as Zacharias and Zachary have been used throughout Christian contexts. The name has been adopted in various forms across Christian countries, including in Australia, often reflecting religious heritage.
Meaning
'The Lord has remembered' — a name signifying divine remembrance and faithfulness in biblical tradition. In Australian English, it carries connotations of religious devotion and historical continuity.
Pronunciation
/zækˈhæɹiəs/ (Australian English) - 'za-KHA-ree-əs' with emphasis on the second syllable. The pronunciation closely follows classical Latin and biblical pronunciations.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Zacharias (Latin, biblical context)
- Zachary (English variant, common in Australia)
- Zac (diminutive)
- Zakk (informal)
Nicknames
- Zac
- Zaki
- Zach
Name Days
- 24 March (Feast of Saint Zacharias in the Roman Catholic Calendar)
- 23 September (Feast of Saint Zacharias in the Eastern Orthodox Calendar)
- 20 June (Māori remembrance day of missionary Zacharias Vaiphei, cultural)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with zacharius:
- Zacharius and Amelia
- Zacharius and George
- Zacharius and Lily
Fun Facts
- The name Zacharius has a long-standing presence in Australian churches, with several historic chapels named after Saint Zacharias.
- Australian mathematician Zacharias Mather was notable in the early 20th century for his contributions to the social sciences.
- The name has been used in Australian literature, notably in references to biblical stories during religious education programs.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name zacharius:
- Religious
- Traditional
- Loyal
- Respectful
Aesthetic Qualities
Classic and formal, with a historical elegance that suits traditional and religious contexts. The long form appears stately; diminutives add casual friendliness.
Geographical Distribution
More prevalent in religious communities across Eastern Australia, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales, historically concentrated in regions with strong religious institutions.
Numerological Significance
Name number 8 in numerology, associated with power, material success, and organisational ability. Reminds one of leadership qualities and resilience in astrological readings.
Astrological Connections
Linked to the zodiac sign Virgo, emphasizing qualities of service, precision, and dedication. The name's spiritual connotations inspire a conscientious personality.
Historical Context
Historic figures with this name include Zacharias Ursinus, a Reformation theologian, and Zacharias Stock, a colonial Australian politician. Its biblical roots make it a common choice among religious Australian families. Fictional characters include priests and religious figures in Australian media, reflecting its ecclesiastical origin.
Linguistic Adaptability
Easily adapted to other languages, maintaining phonetic similarity; for example, Zachary in English, Zaccaria in Italian, and Zakariya in Arabic script.
Famous People Named zacharius
- Zacharias Ricketts (Australian politician, 19th century)
- Zacharias Vaiphei (Māori missionary and cultural figure)
- Zacharias Smith (fictional character from Australian literature)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2016 | 1 |