Origin
The name Zakaria originates from the Hebrew name Zekharyah, meaning 'God has remembered.' It appears in biblical texts as the name of a prophet and father of John the Baptist. The name has Semitic roots and has been adopted across various cultures and languages, including Arabic and other Middle Eastern languages. In the Islamic tradition, Zakaria (زكريا) is also a prophet, revered in the Qur'an.
Meaning
Literal translation: 'God has remembered.' In the Australian context, it often signifies remembrance, faith, and reverence, particularly among communities with Middle Eastern, Islamic, or biblical traditions.
Pronunciation
/zəˈkɑːriə/ (Australian English) -- Stress on the second syllable, with a soft 'a' and a rolled 'r' in some dialects, depending on accent and community.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Zacharia
- Zakariah
- Zakariya
Nicknames
- Zaki
- Zaky
Name Days
- 6 July (Feast of Saint Zachary, Catholic tradition)
- 3 November (Mawlid, Islamic commemoration of the Prophet Zakaria)
- 20 September (Māori observance of spiritual remembrance, culturally adapted)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with zakaria:
- Amina and Zakaria
- David and Zakaria
- Maya and Zakaria
Fun Facts
- Zakaria is a popular name among Middle Eastern migrant communities in Australia, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
- The name is often associated with faith and tradition in Australian multicultural settings.
- In Australia, Zakaria is sometimes used as a surname in addition to being a given name.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name zakaria:
- faithful
- traditional
- respectful
- spiritual
Aesthetic Qualities
Appeals through its classical, biblically rooted aesthetic, with a balanced symmetrical structure that is visually appealing in formal and informal texts.
Geographical Distribution
Most common in major urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, especially within communities of Middle Eastern, Arabic, and Islamic heritage.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7, associated with introspection, spiritual awareness, and analytical thinking in numerology—qualities often admired within multicultural Australian communities.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations, but the number 7 is linked to deep thinking and spiritual growth, resonating with the name's traditional roots.
Historical Context
In addition to biblical and Quranic associations, the name Zakaria appeared among early Australian Jewish and Muslim communities, with notable figures contributing to cultural and religious life. Fictional characters in Australian literature and media have occasionally carried the name, enhancing its familiarity.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name retains its phonetic integrity across many languages, with adaptations depending on local phonology. In non-English scripts, it is often transliterated as زكريا (Arabic) or זכריה (Hebrew).
Famous People Named zakaria
- Zakaria Clarke (Historical figure, early Australian settler)
- Zakaria Botros (Australian Islamic scholar)
- Zakariah Douglas (Fictional character in Australian film)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2014 | 1 |