Zakhar, derived from the Slavic roots meaning "remembering God" or "God has remembered," is a unique and distinctive given name of Slavic origin, predominantly used among speakers of Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, and other Slavic languages. It is an alternate form of Zachary, which is of Hebrew origin and means "remembered by God." Zakhar, like its counterpart Zachary, signifies remembrance or being remembered by a higher power.
The name Zakhar has gained popularity over time, particularly in Eastern European countries, where it has been used for centuries. Despite its Slavic roots, variants of this name can be found in other cultures and languages as well, demonstrating its adaptability across different societies. For instance, the French form Zacharie is a close cognate to Zakhar.
In literature and arts, the name Zakhar has been associated with notable characters, adding further depth to its significance. One such example is Zakhar Burmin, a character in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The House of the Dead," who plays a crucial role in unfolding the story's themes.
Overall, Zakhar stands out as a name that embodies remembrance and divine connection while offering cultural versatility and literary significance.
The name Zakhar experienced a noticeable resurgence from 2022 onwards, with the highest number of births recorded this year, 2023, at ten.