Zeca

Meaning & Etymology

God is gracious

God is gracious

Etymology

Derived from the Portuguese name José, which originates from the Hebrew name Yosef (יוֹסֵף), meaning ‘He will add’ or ‘God shall add’.

Linguistic family: Indo-European > Romance > West Iberian

Cultural context

In Angola, ‘Zeca’ is a common diminutive of ‘José’ and is widely used across various ethnic groups. It reflects the influence of Portuguese colonialism and the widespread adoption of Christian names in the country.

Symbolism

The name symbolizes grace and the blessing of God, reflecting the Christian values prevalent in Angolan society.

Related names

• José
• Josef
• Yosef
• Giuseppe