Show ContentsZachrich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Zachrich

What does the name Zachrich mean?

This name is derived from Zacharias, derived from the Hebrew given name Zechariah or Zaccaria, a fairly popular name in the 14th century. This name was borne by a Biblical prophet and in the New Testament by the father of John the Baptist. 1 Zacharias survives today as a mostly German surname.

Alternatively, the name could have been a German occupational name for a sexton or churchwarden from the Middle German "sigiste." Originally, the sexton was a "the officer in a church in charge of the sacred vessels and vestments’, not, as now, the grave-digger." 2

Another source claims the name was from the Medieval Latin "sacrista."

Early Origins of the Zachrich family

The surname Zachrich was first found in Bavaria, where the family were anciently associated with the tribal conflicts of the area. They declared allegiances to many nobles and princes of early history, lending their influence in struggles for power and status within the region. They branched into many houses, and their contributions were sought by many leaders in their search for power.

Early History of the Zachrich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Zachrich research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1508 and 1587 are included under the topic Early Zachrich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Zachrich Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Secrest, Zachreiss, Zecrest, Zacrest, Secreiss, Sacreiss, Sechreiss, Sachreiss, Zachrest, Zachreisst, Zechreiss, Zechreisst, Sacreisst, Secreisst, Secresst, Sacresst, Zecresst and many more.

Early Notables of the Zachrich family

More information is included under the topic Early Zachrich Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Zachrich family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Johannes Zachrias, who settled in Philadelphia in 1736; and a Johan Georg Zachrias, who was on record in Philadelphia in 1749.


Contemporary Notables of the name Zachrich (post 1700) +

  • Luke Zachrich (b. 1981), retired American mixed martial artist and professional boxer who competed in the Middleweight division


  1. Bahlow, Hans, Dictionary of German Names. translated by Edda Gentry, Wisconsin: The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, 2002. Print. (ISBN 0-924119-35-7)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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