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Zak

Boy name · 1,378 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Zak: 1,378 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 96 births in 2008.

Zak is a shortened form of Zachary or Zachariah, which themselves derive from the Hebrew name Zechariah, meaning "the Lord has remembered." The name carries a sense of divine mindfulness and hope. Famous bearers include Zak Brown, the American CEO of the McLaren Formula One team who has brought renewed energy to the sport, and Zak Starkey, the accomplished drummer who has played with The Who and Oasis, and is the son of Ringo Starr. While not directly tied to a Scottish place, the name shares its root with the biblical prophet Zechariah, a figure of enduring cultural significance. Zak offers a crisp, modern alternative to the longer form, popular in Scotland since the 1990s and favoured for its strong, friendly sound.