Declining since 1993, #216 for boys today.
Popularity of Zachary since 1900
Babies named Zachary per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 109 |
| 1920s | 168 |
| 1930s | 142 |
| 1940s | 404 |
| 1950s | 2,169 |
| 1960s | 3,476 |
| 1970s | 19,060 |
| 1980s | 101,818 |
| 1990s | 225,290 |
| 2000s | 134,756 |
| 2010s | 51,146 |
| 2020s | 13,208 |
Meaning & origin
Zachary is a familiar biblical name that enjoyed a modern surge in the late 20th century. According to U.S. Social Security data, it reached its peak popularity in 1993, when it ranked as the 12th most popular boys' name nationwide. Its usage has declined since then, entering a falling trajectory, and by 2025 it sits at rank 216, with about 1 in 1,038 baby boys receiving the name. Despite the drop, Zachary retains a classic, friendly image and is especially well-liked in Delaware, New Hampshire, and Alaska, which are among its top states. The name’s steady appeal lies in its accessible sound and the easy nicknames it offers, like Zach and Zack.
Zachary is an English form of the biblical name Zechariah, from the Hebrew Zekharyah, meaning 'God has remembered.' It was borne in the Old Testament by a prophet and in the New Testament by the father of John the Baptist. The simplified spelling Zachary emerged as a variant of the more common Zachariah or Zechariah, influenced by the medieval Latin form Zacharias. In the United States, Zachary gained popularity in the late 20th century, peaking in 1993 at rank 12, and it remains a steady favorite.
Where Zachary is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Zachary” around the world
Where Zachary lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
70
babies in 2024
Ireland
22
babies in 2025
New Zealand
32
babies in 2025
Quebec
#71
in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zach, Zack, Zak, Zachy
Sibling names for Zachary
Names that share Zachary's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hannah, Abigail, Madeline, Olivia, Catherine, Makayla, Mikayla, Natalie, Shelby, Cayla, Hayley, Jammie, Jazmyne, Kalie, Kaylah, Laci, Lizbeth, Maegan, Mickayla, Nikole, Phoebe, Adreanna, Alexzandra, Brittnay, Jenica, Kristiana, Mackayla, Marisha, Michayla, Shyanna, Zabrina, Aarika, Andreah, Anjolie, Bethaney, Camrie, Catie, Diantha, Dustie, Ellissa, Ezmeralda, Jordanne, Kassy, Loralie, Lorielle, Mallery, Saryah, Sheyanne, Sierrah, Tabytha, Tariah, Aliscia, Alycea, Azriella, Bethanee, Bethzy, Britini, Caryssa, Cassadee, Dariah, Felicha, Felishia, Jamiee, Jayni, Jenin, Jennika, Jericha, Kaitland, Lindey, Mahkayla, Mikeala, Mychaela, Shayda, Smantha, Zabella, Zarianna, Laryah, Lilianah, Britainy, Cassandr, Christyanna, Dyonna, Jamilette, Jaquelinne, Kassiah, Kaymarie, Kristyana, Maghen, Marisah, Marissah, Mauriah, Mckenzye, Michalla, Robecca, Sarabelle, Sheyann, Tabithia, Taylorann, Taylormarie, Zavannah, Zennie, Zorianna
Brothers: Benjamin, Nathaniel, Jonathan, Nicholas, Timothy, Clayton, Cody, Devon, Garrett, Jacob, Cristopher, Garret, Geremy, Nickolas, Jedediah, Mykal, Zac, Chrystopher, Jonothan, Miciah, Nathaneil, Nikkolas, Syler, Zed, Eliasar, Izaiha, Jasyn, Zabian, Zadrian, Zannie, Jaramie, Joeziah, Johnathin, Juriel, Krystofer, Otniel, Zadiel, Zamarian
Names like Zachary
Names whose popularity has moved with Zachary's over the last 50 years.
