Zac is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Zachary, which means "the Lord remembers" or "God has remembered." The name traces its origins back to ancient Israel, with roots in the Old Testament. It is derived from the Hebrew word "zachar," meaning "to remember."

The earliest recorded use of the name Zachary can be found in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Ezra and the Book of Nehemiah. In these texts, Zachary is mentioned as a priest who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

One of the most notable historical figures bearing the name Zac is Zacchaeus, a tax collector mentioned in the New Testament Gospel of Luke. According to the biblical account, Zacchaeus climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed through Jericho.

In the 4th century, Saint Zachary was a Pope who reigned from 679 to 689 AD. He is remembered for his efforts in promoting church reform and defending the faith against heresies.

During the Middle Ages, Zac remained a popular name among Christians, particularly in Europe. One notable bearer of the name was Zachary Wheeler (1634-1696), an English clergyman and author who wrote extensively on theological topics.

In the 17th century, Zachary Boyd (1585-1653) was a Scottish minister and scholar who served as the rector of the University of Glasgow and authored several works on religious subjects.

As the name spread to other cultures and languages, it took on various spellings and forms, including Zac, Zach, and Zack. In the 19th century, Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) was a prominent American military leader who served as the 12th President of the United States from 1849 to 1850.