Meaning & History
Zaccharias is the Latin form of Zacharias used in some versions of the Latin Bible, notably the Vulgate. It derives ultimately from the Hebrew name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה), meaning “Yahweh remembers.” This name appears multiple times in the Old Testament for various figures, including the prophet who authored the Book of Zechariah, and in the New Testament for the father of John the Baptist.
Biblical Context
In the New Testament, the priest Zechariah (Zacharias in Greek) was struck mute for doubting the angel Gabriel’s prophecy that his elderly wife Elizabeth would bear John the Baptist (Luke 1:11–20). He regained his speech at John's circumcision and prophesied (Luke 1:67–79). Therefore, Zaccharias shares this sacred heritage.
Usage in Latin Translations
The spelling Zaccharias (with doubled “c”) occurs in certain manuscripts and editions of the Latin Vulgate for Zechariah the prophet and/or the father of John, though the standard Vulgate uses Zacharias in the New Testament and Zacharias or Zaccharias variably in the Old. It remains rare as a given name but reflects the diverse orthographic traditions of biblical names.
- Meaning: “Yahweh remembers”
- Origin: Hebrew via Greek and Latin
- Type: Biblical name
- Usage regions: Latin manuscripts of the Bible