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Meaning & History of the name Lazarus

The name ‘Lazarus’ is kinda fascinating. It’s got a rich history and cool stories behind it. We’re gonna learn about where it came from, its meaning, and why people still like it today. Check it out below ⬇️

Origins & Meaning ️

Lazarus is a name with roots deep in history, originating from the Hebrew name Eleazar, meaning “God has helped.” This name became widely known through the New Testament of the Bible, specifically in the story where Jesus resurrects Lazarus from the dead, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. Its religious significance is profound, as many of us may recognize the name from Sunday school lessons or church sermons. Historically, the name has been associated with various saints, adding to its spiritual weight. Interestingly, the story of Lazarus has even transcended religious texts to become a symbol of resurrection and renewal.

Historically, Lazarus was not just a name but a beacon of faith and miracles. It found a special place in early Christian communities, often used to signify rebirth and divine intervention. The name spread across cultures, adapting slightly while maintaining its core essence. Here are some facts and history facts.

  • Lazarus comes from the Hebrew name Eleazar, which means “God has helped.”
  • The most famous Lazarus is the one Jesus resurrected in the New Testament.
  • Several saints have borne the name Lazarus, enhancing its religious importance.
  • The name has variants like Lazaro in Italian and Spanish, and Lazer in Yiddish.
  • It has been used since ancient times, particularly among early Christians.

The pronunciation of ‘Lazarus’ is straightforward: LAZ-uh-rus. Variations exist in different languages, such as ‘Lazaro’ in Italian and Spanish, or ‘Lazer’ in Yiddish. These variations reflect the name’s journey across cultures .

People think this name is strong and wholesome. I personally love it because it carries a sense of hope and revival.

History & Evolution

Lazarus stands out because it represents hope and miracles. Its origins trace back to ancient Hebrew culture, where the name Eleazar meant “God has helped.” Over time, this name evolved into Lazarus, gaining prominence through biblical narratives. Early Christians adopted the name to symbolize faith in divine intervention. Ancient texts and historical figures named Lazarus contributed to its popularity, especially during times when stories of miracles were a significant part of daily life. Fun fact: did you know that Lazarus was also a common name among early monks?

Religious texts played a big role. The New Testament story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is pivotal. This narrative cemented the name’s association with resurrection and hope. And it wasn’t just in Christianity; the name appears in various forms across other religious traditions too. Different cultures embraced Lazarus, giving rise to versions like ‘Lazaro’ in Italy and Spain, and ‘Lazar’ in Slavic regions. But despite these adaptations, the name’s core meaning remained intact. I’ve always found it fascinating how a single name can carry so much weight across different belief systems.

Cultural adaptations have kept Lazarus relevant globally. It’s amazing to see how a name can be molded by various languages and traditions while keeping its essence. For instance, the Italian ‘Lazaro’ or the Yiddish ‘Lazer’ show how widespread the name is. And every time I hear a different version, it reminds me of its timeless appeal.

Today, Lazarus symbolizes resilience and revival, making it popular again, even if sometimes it’s pronounced differently or spelled wrong.

Popularity

The name Lazarus is on the rise. Below are a few famous people with the name Lazarus.

  • Paul Walker: Actor known for his role in the Fast & Furious series.
  • Paul Rudd: Actor, known for his roles in, Anchorman and as Ant-Man in the MCU.

Lazarus is a name that has the potential to rise from the dead, much like its biblical namesake. This name is predicted to become part of the upcoming trend of Old Testament names that are being revived and transformed for the modern generation. The name has been popularized by the story of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha of Bethany, whom Jesus raised from the dead. Additionally, several saints have also been named Lazarus.

As a surname, the name Lazarus is commonly associated with poet Emma Lazarus, whose famous words can be found on the Statue of Liberty. Other variations of the name include the original Hebrew Eleazar, the Italian and Spanish Lazaro, and the Yiddish form Lazer/Laser, which was the name of the son in the movie The Kids are All Right. With its rich history and religious connotations, Lazarus is a name that is sure to stand the test of time.

Many people on the internet seem to think Lazarus is a classic yet powerful name.

Related Names

Lazarus has many related names. Check these out.

  • Equivalents: Eleazar (Hebrew), Lazar (Slavic)
  • Variants: Lazaro (Italian/Spanish), Lazer (Yiddish)
  • Diminutives: Laz (English), Lazo (Spanish)
  • ‍ Feminine Forms: Laza (English), Lazara (Spanish)
  • Other Languages & Cultures: László (Hungarian), Eliezer (Hebrew)

Many cultures celebrate name days, and ‘Lazarus’ is often honored on June 29th, the Feast of Saints Peter and Lazarus, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Fun fact: In numerology, Lazarus resonates with the number 5, symbolizing adventure and freedom, but its astrological sign is Scorpio, representing transformation.


If you’re considering naming your child Lazarus, think about its strong historical and religious connotations. While it’s a unique name with a rich background, some might find it old-fashioned or too heavily associated with its biblical story.

Share your thoughts and any Lazaruses you know in the comments section.