Zichri

Zichri is a biblical name appearing in the Old Testament, believed to mean "remembered" or "memorable" in Hebrew. It is the anglicized form of the Biblical Hebrew name Zikhri.

Biblical Context

The name is attributed to several minor individuals in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the genealogies and narratives of 1 Chronicles. According to the these sources, Zichri figures include:

• A Levite of the house of Gershon (1 Chronicles 26:25)
• A son of Izhar the Kohathite (1 Chronicles 23:19)
• A father of Eliezer, a chief of the Reubenites (1 Chronicles 27:16)
• A mighty man of David's army (1 Chronicles 12:19–20)
• A captain of the tribe of Judah under King David (1 Chronicles 27:18)

1 Chronicles also records that Zichri, a commander in the army of King Pekah of Israel, killed Maaseiah, the son of King Ahaz of Judah, during the war between the northern and southern kingdoms (2 Chronicles 28:7).

Etymology and Cultural Significance

The Hebrew root z-k-r (זכר) relates to remembrance, memory, and the act of remembering. As a name, Zichri conveys the idea of being "der Denkende" (einer der denkt) or "he who thinks of others" - someone who is remembered or who remembers. This meaning is common across Semitic naming conventions, where names expressing remembrance are often given to ensure the name-bearer is not forgotten (see also Names with Similar Meanings).

Usage and Distribution

Zichri is primarily found in English Bibles as a rendering of the Hebrew original. It has rarely been used as a given name outside biblical contexts, though compounds like Zachariah and relating terms have been more popular. Variants include Zikhri (transliteration) and possibly Zechri in some translations.

Key Facts

• Meaning: "Remembered, memorable"
• Origin: Hebrew (Biblical)
• Type: First name (masculine)
• Usage: English Bible translations