Zakaria
zah-kah-REE-yah
Zakaria is the Arabic form of Zechariah, a name meaning God remembers or God has remembered. In Islamic tradition, Zakaria is a prophet who was entrusted with the care of Maryam (the Virgin Mary) in the temple and who, despite his old age, was blessed by God with a son, Yahya (John the Baptist). His story is one of devout prayer, patient faith, and miraculous reward. He is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Maryam and Surah Al-Imran.
At a glance
The Arabic form of Zechariah, meaning God remembers. Zakaria is a revered Quranic prophet, father of John the Baptist, and a name chosen by Muslim families for its deep spiritual significance.
Etymology & History
The name derives from the Hebrew Zekharyah, a compound of zakar (to remember) and Yah (a shortened form of the name of God), giving the meaning God has remembered. It passed through Greek as Zacharias and into Arabic as Zakariyya, with Zakaria being a common variant spelling in South Asia, North Africa, and among diaspora communities. The name has been in use for over two thousand years across Abrahamic traditions.
Cultural Significance
Zakaria is a name of great religious importance in Islam. The prophet Zakaria is depicted in the Quran as an elderly man who prays fervently for an heir and is miraculously granted the son Yahya (John the Baptist). His story is a model of persistent prayer and trust in God. The name is widely used across the Muslim world, from Morocco and Egypt to Pakistan and Indonesia, and is particularly favoured by families who value its Quranic roots and classic sound.
Famous people named Zakaria
Prophet Zakaria
An Islamic prophet and the father of Yahya (John the Baptist). He is celebrated in the Quran for his devoted prayer in old age and the miracle of Yahya's birth.
Zakaria Tufail
A noted Islamic scholar known for his contributions to Hadith studies and Quranic commentary in South Asian Muslim academia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Zakaria
Ayoub
“Returning to God”
Ayoub is the Arabic form of Job, a name from the Hebrew Iyov, which is interpreted as returning to God or the persecuted one. In Islamic tradition, Ayoub is a prophet celebrated above all for his extraordinary patience in the face of severe trials. His story is a powerful parable of steadfast faith, and he is described in both the Quran and the Bible as a righteous man tested by immense suffering who ultimately emerged with divine reward.
Ibrahim
“Father of many”
Ibrahim is the Arabic form of Abraham, meaning 'father of many' or 'father of nations,' honouring the revered patriarch shared across Islam, Christianity, and Judaism.
Idris
“Prophet of study and truth”
Idris in the Norse tradition is understood to combine elements meaning 'eager' or 'active' with a sense of noble rulership, producing a name that speaks to dynamic, purposeful leadership. It also appears in Welsh mythology in reference to a giant astronomer-king, and in Arabic tradition as a prophet, giving the name a rare cross-cultural breadth that amplifies its power. In Norse contexts it evokes the fiery energy of a young warrior chief coming into his strength.
Issa
“God is salvation”
Issa is the Arabic form of Jesus, derived ultimately from the Hebrew Yeshua, meaning God is salvation or God saves. In Islam, Issa (also spelt Isa) is one of the most revered prophets, mentioned 25 times in the Quran. He is described as the Messiah, a miracle worker, and a prophet born of the Virgin Mary. While Muslims do not regard him as divine, they hold him in the highest esteem as a holy messenger.
Moussa
“Drawn from water”
Moussa is the Arabic form of Moses, a name believed to derive from the Egyptian for drawn from water, referring to the biblical story of the infant placed in a basket on the Nile. In Islamic tradition, Musa (Moussa) is among the most honoured of all prophets and is mentioned more times in the Quran than any other prophet. The name carries deep spiritual weight across Muslim, Jewish, and Christian traditions.
Yahya
“God is gracious”
Yahya is the Arabic form of the biblical name John, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan meaning God is gracious or God has shown favour. In Islamic tradition, Yahya is a prophet mentioned in the Quran, identified with John the Baptist in the Christian tradition. He was the son of the Prophet Zakaria and is described as wise, devout, and chaste from childhood. The name carries great spiritual weight and is considered blessed in both Islamic and broader Abrahamic traditions.
Younis
“Dove”
Younis is the Arabic form of Jonah, a name rooted in the Hebrew word yonah, meaning dove. In Islamic tradition, Younis (also spelt Yunus) is a prophet who was swallowed by a large fish after leaving his people without permission. His story is one of repentance, patience, and divine mercy. The 10th chapter of the Quran is named Surah Yunus in his honour, cementing his place among the most revered prophets in Islam.
Yusuf
“God increases”
Yusuf is an Arabic name meaning 'God increases' or 'God will add,' reflecting gratitude for a child's arrival and faith that blessings will multiply through the family.
Where you'll find Zakaria
Zakaria shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.