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Last Name Zakarya

What is the origin of the last name Zakarya?

The origin of the surname Zakarya is rooted in multiple cultural traditions. In Hebrew, it is a variation of Zachariah, which means "God remembers" or "the Lord has remembered." In Arabic, Zakariya translates to "pure" or "innocent." The name can be found among both Jewish and Muslim populations. However, the exact origin for any specific instance of the surname Zakarya would depend on the individual's personal history and ancestry.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Zakarya

The meaning and origin of the last name Zakarya

The surname Zakarya is of Arabic origin, derived from the name Zachariah, which appears frequently in the Bible. In Arabic, Zachariah translates to "God has remembered" or "God remembers." This name was given to John the Baptist's father in the Christian Bible, and it is also mentioned as a prophet in the Quran. Over time, this name evolved into various forms in different languages and regions, including Zakaria, Zachary, and Sakarias. The surname Zakarya may have originated from individuals who were named Zachariah or from families who were descendants of people with that name. It is widely distributed across Arabic-speaking countries as well as in communities with Middle Eastern ancestry in other parts of the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Zakarya

The surname Zakarya is predominantly found in countries with significant Muslim populations due to its Arabic origin, primarily meaning 'God remembers' or 'God has remembered'. It is most prevalent in North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Smaller communities bearing this surname can also be found in countries with historical ties to these regions or due to immigration, such as France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia. The distribution reflects the diaspora of Arabic-speaking populations over time and cultural exchange.

Variants and spellings of the last name Zakarya

The surname Zakarya has several variants and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and historical influences. Some common variations include Zachariah, Zacharias, Zacchaeus, Zacharie, Zacharij, and Zakhariev. In English, the most common spelling is Zachary or Zachariah. In Hebrew, it's spelled זכריה (Zakharia) and in Arabic, it's written as زكريا (Zakariya). The name is derived from the Hebrew word "zachar" meaning remembrance or recollection. In the New Testament of the Bible, Zachariah is the father of John the Baptist.

Famous people with the last name Zakarya

Prominent individuals sharing the surname Zakaria include Fareed Zakaria, an internationally recognized journalist, author, and CNN's host for GPS (Global Public Square) and Washington Week. He has written several best-selling books, including "The Post-American World" and "The Future of Freedom: Illiberal Democracy at Home and Abroad." Another noteworthy figure is Reza Zakaria, a professor of political science at Emory University, specializing in the study of Middle Eastern politics. His research focuses on political Islam, civil-military relations, and democratization in the Middle East. Additionally, Iman Zakariya al-Khoei was an influential Iraqi Shia scholar and writer. He served as Imam at Al-Husseini shrine in Karbala, Iraq, and authored several books on Islamic jurisprudence.

Genealogical research on the last name Zakarya

The surname Zakarya, while predominantly found within Arabic-speaking cultures, has roots traced back to various regions and historical periods. Originating from the Hebrew name Zacharias, which means "God remembers," the name has been adapted in different languages over time. In Arabic, it translates to Zakaria or Azkaria, with variations such as Al-Zakaria and Bin Zakaria appearing in Muslim communities. Notable figures bearing this surname include the 9th-century Persian poet Abu'l-Atahiya, and contemporary Palestinian actor Mahmoud Hassan Zakariya. The migration patterns of Arabic peoples throughout history have dispersed the name across multiple countries, making it a common name in Middle Eastern communities globally. Genealogical research is an ongoing process to further uncover the diverse origins and lineages associated with the surname Zakarya.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 29 July 2025

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