The surname Zackey finds its origins in the Middle Ages, particularly within the regions of Germany and Eastern Europe. Existing records suggest it may have originated around the 12th century. The name is believed to have a derivation from the personal name Zachariah, which in Hebrew means "God has remembered". This was a popular name amongst early Christians and Jews, leading to variations and adaptations in different regions.

One of the earliest mentions of a name variant appears in the form of Zachéi, recorded in a 13th-century manuscript from the Rhineland area of Germany. These regions were hubs of trade and migration during the medieval period, contributing to the dispersal and evolution of the surname.

The name transitioned through various spellings, including Zacke, Zackey, and Zacki. Historical references to the name can be found in ecclesiastical records from the 14th century, while Zackey appeared in Lesser Poland and the Baltic states by the 15th century. One notable record dates back to 1465, when a Petrus Zackey was mentioned in town registers in Krakow, heralding the presence of the surname in Poland.

During the 16th century, as Europe faced numerous social upheavals and increasing mobility, the Zackey surname appeared in several documents in Transylvania. A prominent bearer during this period was Johannes Zackey, a known merchant born in 1542 and residing in Sibiu until his death in 1593. His involvement in regional trade underscored the spread of the surname across various communities.

In England, the name appeared somewhat later due to migrations. Records from 1620s indicate the presence of a Thomas Zackey in London, who was involved in the early colonization efforts of the Americas. His descendants continued to carry the name into the New World, contributing to its establishment outside Europe.

By the 18th century, Zackey appeared in historical references across both Europe and America. Captain Samuel Zackey, born in 1723, served in the British Navy and gained recognition during the Seven Years' War. His legacy was noted in naval records until his death in 1778.

In the 19th century, another significant figure was Franz Anton Zackey, born in Vienna in 1790. He was a renowned poet and translator who made substantial contributions to German literature until his death in 1857.

The history of the Zackey surname not only reflects the geographical and social movements of its bearers but also highlights its long-standing presence through centuries of evolution, migration, and adaptation, contributing to its rich etymological tapestry.