"pure, innocent, clean"
Zacchaeus
The little man in the sycamore tree — pure, redeemed
Meaning & Origin
"God has remembered"
The Story of Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus is the Latin and Greek form of the Hebrew name Zakkay, meaning 'pure, innocent, or clean.' It derives from the root 'zakai' (זַכַּי). In the New Testament Gospel of Luke, Zacchaeus was a tax collector in Jericho who was so short that he climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus above the crowd. Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus's home, leading to Zacchaeus's famous conversion. This story of redemption makes Zacchaeus a name of grace and transformation.
Zacchaeus is rare as a given name, used primarily in deeply religious Christian families who embrace extended Biblical names. It stands apart from the more common Zachary and Zach, offering a fuller, more historically authentic form with a memorable New Testament story.
The story of Zacchaeus is one of the most beloved in the New Testament — a rich tax collector who found redemption and gave away half his wealth to the poor. Sunday school children worldwide know the song 'Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man.' The name carries a profound message of inclusion and second chances.
Fun Facts
- 'Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man' is one of the most recognizable children's Christian songs
- Zacchaeus is the only person in the New Testament described as short in stature
- The name Zachary is the modern English form of the same Hebrew root
Zacchaeus in Other Languages
Famous People Named Zacchaeus
Zaccheus Onumba Bikiye
Religious
1941
Nigerian theologian and bishop in the Church of Nigeria
Zacchaeus of Jericho Fictional
Religious
Chief tax collector in Jericho in the New Testament Gospel of Luke; transformed after meeting Jesus
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,791
- Total SSA Count
- 46
- Cultural Origins
- Christian English Biblical
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Zacchaeus
What does the name Zacchaeus mean?
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About the Name Zacchaeus
Zacchaeus is a boy name with Christian, English, and Biblical origins . The name means "pure, innocent, clean" in Hebrew Zakkay .
Zacchaeus is currently ranked #2,791 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Zacchaeus has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Zacchaeus include Zach, Zac, and Zack. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Zacchaeus include Zaccai . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.