Zaks History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Germany
• Israel

Etymology of Zaks

The Jewish surname Zaks has a two possible origins. In the first case, Zaks was often adopted in memory of a martyred ancestor. It is adapted from ZAKS, an acronym for the phrase "zera kodesh shemo," meaning "descended from martyrs." This acronym was adopted by the descendants of the residents of the German town of Speyer, which was devastated during the crusades. Another area that is remembered by this name is the Prussian town of Stendahl, where many Jews were martyred in the 16th century.

The alternate origin of Zaks suggests that it is of local or geographic derivation and indicates that its original bearer came from Saxony.

Zaks Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Sachs, Zaks, Saks, Sacks and more. and others.