What does Luke 1:61 mean?

By the New Testament era, it was common for Jewish families to rely on a set of traditional, family names when identifying newborn sons. Now that Elizabeth and Zechariah have finally had a child (Luke 1:5–7, 13, 57), family and neighbors expect them to follow that trend. Since Zechariah is unable to speak (Luke 1:18–20), those performing the naming ceremony plan to name the child after his father (Luke 1:59). Elizabeth refuses (Luke 1:60), wanting to name the child "John."

"John" is the name Zechariah was told to give his son, by Gabriel himself (Luke 1:13). Though he cannot speak—and likely cannot hear (Luke 1:62)—he can still write. He probably communicated everything to Elizabeth when he came home. Her insistence on the name John most likely is not a supernatural occurrence, or even a coincidence. And yet, others hesitate to accept her choice of a name. They will ask Zechariah, who confirms her wish and is immediately freed from his temporary silence (Luke 1:62–64).