Zacarías

Meaning & Etymology

God remembers

God remembers

Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew name ‘Zechariah’ (זְכַרְיָה), meaning ‘God remembers’. The name was adopted into Spanish and Portuguese due to Christian missionary influence in Equatorial Guinea.

Linguistic family: Niger-Congo > Atlantic-Congo > Volta-Congo > Benue-Congo > Bantu

Cultural context

Zacarías is a name with strong Christian religious significance in Equatorial Guinea, reflecting the country’s colonial history and the influence of Catholicism. It is particularly common among the Annobon people due to their historical ties to Portuguese missionaries.

Symbolism

The name Zacarías symbolises divine remembrance and the enduring presence of God in one’s life. It reflects a belief in God’s faithfulness and the importance of spiritual connection.

Naming ceremony

In Annobon culture, the naming ceremony typically takes place on the eighth day after birth, following Christian traditions. The child is often named after a saint or a significant biblical figure, with Zacarías being a popular choice for boys.

Religious reference

Luke 1:5-25 (Biblical reference to Zechariah, father of John the Baptist)

Related names

• Zacharie (French)
• Zaccaria (Italian)
• Zacharias (German)
• Zakariya (Arabic)