Last Name Zacharias

The surname Zacharias has roots that can be traced back to both Hebrew and Greek origins. In Hebrew, it is derived from the biblical name Zachariah, which means "God has remembered." In Greek, it's derived from Zacharias, a form of the Hebrew name that was commonly used in the New Testament. The surname became widespread among Jews, Christians, and later, through various migrations and conversions, it appeared in other parts of the world as well.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zacharias

The meaning and origin of the last name Zacharias

The surname Zacharias is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Zachariah, which means "God has remembered." This surname first appeared in the Middle Ages as a variation of Zachary or Zacchaeus, two significant characters in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the name Zachariah was given to several notable figures, emphasizing its biblical roots. As a surname, it spread across various parts of Europe during the Christian era, and is now prevalent among Jewish and Christian communities worldwide. It has been popularized by historical figures like Saint Zacharias, who was the father of John the Baptist, as well as notable personalities in modern times.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zacharias

The surname Zacharias has a significant geographical dispersion, predominantly occurring in regions with historical ties to Christianity, particularly the Middle East and Europe. In the Middle East, it is most common among Arabic-speaking populations, particularly in countries like Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. Moving westward, it is also prevalent in Greece, where it originates from the biblical name Zacharias, and in other Eastern Orthodox Christian countries like Russia and Ukraine. In Europe, it can be found in various countries such as Germany, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway due to migration and historical influences. In North America, the last name Zacharias is present in significant numbers among immigrants from Middle Eastern and European backgrounds. Overall, while the distribution varies by region, Zacharias is a globally dispersed surname with Christian roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zacharias

The surname Zacharias has several variations and spellings in different parts of the world due to transcription errors over time. Some common versions include Zachariah, Zacharie, Zachar, Zacaria, Zakhar, and Zacchaeus. In English-speaking countries, Zachariah is a commonly used spelling. In France, it's often spelled Zacharie or Zachari, while in Eastern European countries such as Russia, Bulgaria, and Poland, the surname is typically spelled Zakhar or Zachar. The biblical figure Zacchaeus, who is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible, also bears a similar name. These variations demonstrate the historical migrations and cultural influences that have shaped the diversity of personal names over time.

Famous people with the last name Zacharias

Notable individuals with the surname Zacharias include:

1. Max L. Zacharias (1927-2013), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to algebraic geometry and number theory.
2. Amy Elizabeth Zacharias (born 1965), a Canadian journalist and author, best known for her work with CBC Radio.
3. John Zacharias (born 1948), an American economist who served as the Dean of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
4. George Zacharias (born 1942), a Greek politician, journalist, and author who served as the Mayor of Athens from 2003 to 2006.
5. Carl Zacharias (1803-1878), a Danish physician who was one of the founders of the Danish Psychiatric Society.

These individuals have excelled in various fields, including mathematics, journalism, politics, and medicine, demonstrating the versatility and achievements of those bearing the Zacharias surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Zacharias

The surname Zacharias has roots in Hebrew and Greek origins, with both meanings referring to the biblical figure Zachariah. In the Old Testament, Zachariah is a prophet who announces the births of John the Baptist and Jesus. As a Jewish name, it is believed to have been brought to Europe by Jews during their diaspora.

In Christian communities, Zacharias has been used as a surname since the Middle Ages. The name spread across Europe, with notable bearers in France, Germany, and Scandinavia. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many families with the last name Zacharias emigrated from Europe to the United States, particularly to cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore.

Throughout history, there have been several notable figures bearing the surname Zacharias, including a 17th-century mathematician and astronomer in Germany, as well as a Canadian politician who served as the Premier of Prince Edward Island in the late 1900s. Today, Zacharias is most common in Western countries with significant European heritage.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Zacharias"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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