What does Zachary mean and where does it come from?
Though traditionally a male name, Zachary, or זַכָּרְיָה (Zakhariah), has seen usage as a female name in some modern contexts. The name's origins are rooted in Hebrew, appearing in biblical texts, and it has remained a popular choice in various cultures. Zachary has variant forms in different langua
Cultural significance
Zachary has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the lord has remembered.
Peak popularity
Reached #1357 in 1988 — currently #171 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Zachary?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Zachary?
Zachary works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zachary Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Zachary Rose
Floral · soft ending
Zachary Mae
Sweet · timeless
Zachary Claire
French influence · crisp
Zachary Jane
Literary · strong
Zachary Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Zachary right now?
Declining — down 6 spots — currently #171 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #171 | 2,122 | ▼ down 6 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #165 | 2,261 | ▼ down 21 · -13% births |
| 2021 | #144 | 2,596 | ▲ up 16362 · +51820% births |
| 2015 | #16506 | 5 | ▼ down 6017 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #10489 | 10 | ▼ down 4476 · -50% births |
| 2005 | #6013 | 20 | ▼ down 2550 · -47% births |
| 2000 | #3463 | 38 | ▼ down 1092 · -31% births |
| 1995 | #2371 | 55 | ▼ down 133 · -4% births |
| 1990 | #2238 | 57 | ▼ down 671 · -26% births |
| 1985 | #1567 | 77 | ▲ up 1449 · +166% births |
| 1980 | #3016 | 29 | ▲ up 4241 · +314% births |
| 1975 | #7257 | 7 | ▼ down 80 · +17% births |
| 1970 | #7177 | 6 | ▼ down 666 · +20% births |
| 1960 | #6511 | 5 | — |
The story of Zachary
Zachary entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. Over 543K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6511 in 1960 to #171 in 2023. Zachary is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Zachary in 1988:
Zachary by decade
Zachary peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 109 | |
| 1920s | 168 | |
| 1930s | 142 | |
| 1940s | 404 | |
| 1950s | 2,170 | |
| 1960s | 3,498 | |
| 1970s | 19,183 | |
| 1980s | 102,469 | |
| 1990s ★ | 225,727 | |
| 2000s | 134,986 | |
| 2010s | 51,055 | |
| 2020s | 2,698 | |
What are good nicknames for Zachary?
BULGARIAN
ZaharinaZaharinkaZara
MACEDONIAN
ZaharinaZaharinka
Famous people named Zachary
Z(
Zachary (historical community leader)
Zachary led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
Z(
Zachary (historical community leader)
Zachary led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Zachary?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zachary also consider these
How is Zachary written in other languages?
Gender variants of Zachary
Common questions about the name Zachary
What does the name Zachary mean?
Zachary means "the Lord has remembered" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Zachary?
Zachary is currently ranked #171 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Zachary?
Zachary originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Zachary?
Zachary is a three-syllable name pronounced Z AE1 K ER0 IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Zachary?
Zachary pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.