Of Hebrew origin, from H2141 (zakay). Chief tax collector in Jericho who climbed a sycamore tree. His name ironically means 'pure.'
Zakchaios is irony and grace. A man named 'Pure' was considered most impure — a chief tax collector. Yet Jesus singles him out: 'Today I must abide at thy house.' The encounter transforms him. Jesus declares, 'This day is salvation come to this house.' The name became true: the 'impure' man was made pure by the one who called him.