Zak

Zak is a masculine given name commonly used as a short form of Zachary, Zachariah, or Zechariah, though it is also used as a standalone name. The given name derives from Hebrew Zechariah, meaning “Yahweh has remembered.” The pronunciation is typically /zæk/ (rhymes with Zack). In modern usage, Zak is one of several spellings, including Zach, Zack, and Zackary, with no single spelling dominant in all regions.

In English-speaking countries, Zak has been used since the late 20th century and remains in regular use as a given name or nickname. It is often chosen for its concise, contemporary sound and can be found across various professions and cultural backgrounds.

Notable people named Zak include Zak Penn (born 1968), an American screenwriter and producer known for X2: X-Men United and The Incredible Hulk; Zak Bagans (born 1977), an American paranormal investigator and television host of Ghost Adventures; and Zak Starkey (born 1965), an English drummer who has played with The Who and other acts. In popular culture, Zak McKracken is the eponymous protagonist of the graphic adventure game Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders (1982).