Rising since 1985, #2,363 for boys today.
Popularity of Zacchaeus since 1974
Babies named Zacchaeus per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2003, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zacchaeus's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 115 |
| 1990s | 375 |
| 2000s | 612 |
| 2010s | 520 |
| 2020s | 314 |
Meaning & origin
Zacchaeus is a biblical name with a distinct religious heritage, drawn from the New Testament story of the tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree. First recorded in the U.S. in 1974, it saw a peak in popularity in 2023 at rank 2363, reflecting a slow but steady rise since 1985. Today, it is given about once in every 29450 births, with top states including Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. The name's rarity and scriptural association give it a distinctive character for families seeking a name with clear biblical roots that is not among the more common Zacch- variants.
Zacchaeus derives from the Hebrew name Zakkai, meaning 'pure' or 'innocent'. In the New Testament, Zacchaeus was a tax collector who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus, later becoming a figure of repentance. The name has been used sparingly in Christian communities, particularly among English-speaking Protestants, and saw a modest revival in the late 20th century.
Where Zacchaeus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zac, Zack
Sibling names for Zacchaeus
Names that share Zacchaeus's style, for a brother or sister.
