Zacchaeus

Meaning & Etymology

The name "Zacchaeus" has its origins in the New Testament of the Bible. It is derived from the Greek name "Zakchaios," which in turn is believed to have roots in the Hebrew name "Zakkai," meaning "pure" or "innocent." The name is famously associated with a tax collector mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, who, after encountering Jesus, repented and promised to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold to anyone he had cheated. The name thus carries connotations of repentance, transformation, and generosity, reflecting the story of its biblical namesake.

Linguistic Origin

The name "Zacchaeus" has a Greek origin, as it is a transliteration of the Greek name "Zakchaios." It is a name of biblical significance and is predominantly associated with Christian cultural and linguistic traditions. The name has no known linguistic peculiarities or derivations beyond its biblical context.

Cultural Background

"Zacchaeus" holds deep religious and cultural significance as it is linked to the biblical narrative of repentance, transformation, and generosity. The story of Zacchaeus has been a source of inspiration and moral reflection within Christian traditions.

Pronunciation

The name "Zacchaeus" is pronounced as "zuh-KEE-uhs," with the stress on the second syllable. There are no significant regional pronunciation variants for this name.

Gender Usage

The name "Zacchaeus" is predominantly masculine in association, and its usage is rare. It is not commonly used as a unisex or gender-fluid name.

Nicknames & Variants

Nicknames

  • Zac
  • Zach
  • Zacky
  • Zachy
  • Z
  • Zee
  • Zachariah
  • Zacc
  • Zachae
  • Zachaeus

Variants

  • Zakchaios
  • Zakkai
  • Zac
  • Zach
  • Zacky
  • Zachy
  • Zachae
  • Zachaeus
  • Zacch
  • Zachus

Origins & History

Historical Namesakes

  • Zacchaeus, the tax collector from the Gospel of Luke

Mythology & Literature

The name "Zacchaeus" is primarily associated with the biblical story of the tax collector who repented after encountering Jesus. It is not widely referenced in mythology, literature, or popular culture beyond its biblical context.

Historical Significance

The name "Zacchaeus" is historically significant due to its association with the biblical figure of the tax collector who repented and transformed his ways after encountering Jesus. This story has had cultural and religious impact, shaping the perception and interpretation of the name over time.

Additional Information

Popularity & Demographics

As a biblical name, "Zacchaeus" is not commonly used in modern times. It does not rank in the top 1000 names in the United States for any recent year, and its frequency is relatively low. It is more commonly recognized in religious or cultural contexts.

Trend Analysis

The name "Zacchaeus" is not currently a popular choice for baby names, and its usage is likely to remain low in the foreseeable future, given its strong association with a specific biblical narrative and relatively limited usage in contemporary society.

Geographical Distribution

The name "Zacchaeus" is not widely distributed geographically and is primarily associated with regions influenced by Christian traditions and biblical heritage.

Personality Traits

Individuals with the name "Zacchaeus" may be associated with traits such as introspection, spiritual depth, and a sense of moral responsibility, reflecting the biblical narrative of repentance and transformation.

Compatibility & Initials

The name "Zacchaeus" may be compatible with a wide range of surnames, middle names, and initials due to its distinctiveness and biblical significance. It can create strong phonetic harmony with a variety of combinations.

Sociolinguistic Usage

The usage of the name "Zacchaeus" is influenced by its strong religious and cultural connotations, making it more prevalent in specific social and religious contexts. It may be perceived as traditional or conservative due to its biblical origins.

Famous Quotes

  • "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." - Luke 19:5 (Bible)

Want to know about a name?

Try it out now →

Enter your name above to learn.Powered by Namepedia.