What Does the Name Zachary Mean?
Zachary means "God has remembered," from the Hebrew Zekharyah, combining zakhar ("to remember") and Yah (a short form of Yahweh).
The Origin & History of Zachary
The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as Zechariah, borne by a minor prophet, and in the New Testament as the father of John the Baptist. Zachary, the English spelling, gained wide use starting in the 1970s and 80s, part of a broader revival of biblical names for boys.
Cultural Reach
Zachary was a US top-20 name through much of the 1990s and remains recognizable across generations, alongside its short form Zach and the popular contracted spelling Zach/Zac.
Famous People Named Zachary
Notable bearers include Zachary Taylor, the 12th President of the United States, and Zachary Quinto, the American actor known for playing Spock in the Star Trek film series.
Nicknames & Variations
Zach and Zack are the standard nicknames. Zachariah and Zacharias are older, fuller forms of the same biblical name.
Is Zachary a Good Name in 2026?
Zachary has cooled from its 1990s peak but remains a familiar, well-established choice with strong biblical roots.