Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Zechariah

Zechariah comes from the Hebrew name Zekharyah (זְכַרְיָה) meaning “Yahweh remembers”. In the Bible, around the time the Persians conquered the Babylonians in the 6th century B.C., the Jews were allowed to return from exile and rebuild their temple. God realized that the Israelites needed a little motivation and called upon the prophet Zechariah to help. In the Old Testament’s Book of Zechariah, the prophet reassures the people of Israel of God’s continued covenant with them, and of His abiding comfort and care. In other words, Zechariah served to remind the Israelites that “Yahweh remembers”. According to Zechariah 1:17 thus says the Lord: “[I] will again comfort Zion and again choose Jerusalem.” Aside from this Zechariah, there is also a New Testament figure by this name. It belonged to the father of John the Baptist. In this Biblical story, Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth became pregnant very late in life (way past childbearing years, and we mean WAY past). Zechariah didn’t believe it and was thus “struck dumb” as punishment for his disbelief (i.e., he couldn’t speak). After the baby John was born, his speech was restored to him, but any relevant remarks he may have made are lost to history. It must not have been too bad, however, because he was named a saint and his feast day is celebrated on November 15th. The English would eventually swap the “e” for an “a” and change it to Zachariah (the more popular version today). The Puritans revived the name in the 17th century during and after the Protestant Reformation. Zechariah with an “e” is more true to the ancient and Hebrew Biblical version.

All About the Baby Name – Zechariah

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ZECHARIAH

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ZECHARIAH

Zechariah is not as popular as Zachariah in America, and it hasn’t been around as long either – which is ironic because Zechariah is the more ancient version of the name. Though Zachariah is more anglicized and easier to shorten to Zach or Zachary, Zechariah is definitely closer to the Hebrew origin. We’re guessing this may be the spelling preferred by Jewish folks. Zechariah first appeared on the American male naming charts in 1986 and it has since risen to levels of low but respectable usage. In fact, he’s not too far behind his more popular brother Zachariah. It just comes down to spelling preference with this one. There’s no reason you can’t use the nickname Zach with Zechariah either. Or even Zech or Zeke. Some people consider Zechariah a possible female name, but at least the way “God remembers” from a Biblical perspective, Zechariah is all male.

Quick Facts

ON ZECHARIAH

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

680

PRONUNCIATION:

zek-ə-RYE-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Yahweh (God) remembers

Characteristics

OF ZECHARIAH

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Zechariah

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ZECHARIAH

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Zechariah

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ZECHARIAH

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Zechariah


Popular Songs

ON ZECHARIAH

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Zechariah


Famous People

NAMED ZECHARIAH

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Zechariah.

Children of Famous People

NAMED ZECHARIAH

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Zechariah

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ZECHARIAH

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Zechariah