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Lazarus

Pronunciation: [ l-AZ-er-uhs ]

Boy Name #1,337 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

The ultimate comeback name — raised from the dead

Jewish Christian English Greek
Biblical Strong Literary Unique Spiritual

Meaning & Origin

"God has helped"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
"my God is help"
Origin: Hebrew via Greek
Language: Latin

Things to Know About This Name

  • Strongly associated with death and resurrection in Christian contexts

The Story of Lazarus

Lazarus is the Latinized form of Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר), a Hebrew name meaning 'God has helped' or 'God is my help.' It appears twice in the New Testament — most famously as the man Jesus raised from the dead in the Gospel of John (chapter 11), and also as the poor man in Jesus's parable of the rich man. The name has carried powerful resurrection symbolism through Christian history.

Lazarus has historically been rare as a given name due to its strong association with death, but it is enjoying a revival among parents seeking unusual biblical names. The trend toward bold, uncommon Old Testament and New Testament names has brought Lazarus into conversation alongside Ezra, Tobias, and Barnabas.

In Christian theology, the raising of Lazarus is considered one of Jesus's greatest miracles and a prefiguration of the resurrection. The name 'Lazarus' has entered the English language as a metaphor for miraculous revival, making it a name with profound cultural weight.

Fun Facts

  • The phrase 'raising a Lazarus' has entered English as a metaphor for any miraculous recovery
  • Lazarus Sunday is celebrated in Eastern Orthodox and some other Christian traditions the week before Palm Sunday
  • The name inspired David Bowie's final album 'Lazarus' (2016), released days before his death

Lazarus in Other Languages

Greek Λάζαρος
Arabic لَعَازَر
French Lazare
Italian Lazzaro
Spanish Lázaro

Famous People Named Lazarus

L

Lazaro Arbos

Entertainer

1991

Cuban-American singer who gained fame on American Idol Season 12

E

Emma Lazarus

Writer

1849

American poet who wrote 'The New Colossus,' the sonnet inscribed on the Statue of Liberty's pedestal

L

Lazarus of Bethany

Religious

Biblical figure raised from the dead by Jesus in the Gospel of John; one of the most famous miracles in the New Testamen...

Biblical figure raised from the dead by Jesus in the Gospel of John; one of the most famous miracles in the New Testament

Quick Facts

Gender
Boy
Syllables
3
Popularity Rank
#1,337
Total SSA Count
143
Cultural Origins
Jewish Christian English Greek
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Laz Larry

Pairs Well With

Lazarus James Lazarus John Lazarus William Lazarus Thomas Lazarus Samuel Lazarus Cole

Sibling Names

Similar Names

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lazarus

What does the name Lazarus mean?
"God has helped" (from Hebrew). "my God is help" (from Hebrew via Greek). Lazarus is the Latinized form of Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר), a Hebrew name meaning 'God has helped' or 'God is my help.' It appears twice in the New Testament — most famously as the man Jesus raised from the dead in the Gospel of John (chapter 11), and also as the poor man in Jesus's parable of the rich man. The name has carried powerful resurrection symbolism through Christian history.
What is the origin of the name Lazarus?
Lazarus has Hebrew, Hebrew via Greek, Jewish, Christian, English, and Greek origins. In Hebrew, it means "God has helped". In Hebrew via Greek, it means "my God is help".
Is Lazarus a boy or girl name?
Lazarus is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Lazarus?
Lazarus is pronounced l-AZ-er-uhs.
How popular is the name Lazarus?
Lazarus is currently ranked #1337 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Lazarus?
Common nicknames for Lazarus include Laz and Larry.
What are good middle names for Lazarus?
Popular middle name pairings include Lazarus James, Lazarus John, Lazarus William, Lazarus Thomas, Lazarus Samuel, and Lazarus Cole.
What are good sibling names for Lazarus?
Names that pair well with Lazarus as siblings include Ezra, Elijah, Tobias, Miriam, Naomi, Cornelius, and Barnabas.
How many syllables does Lazarus have?
Lazarus has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Lazarus a common or rare name?
Lazarus is an uncommon name, ranked #1337 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Lazarus

Lazarus is a boy name with Jewish, Christian, English, and Greek origins . The name means "God has helped" in Hebrew .

Lazarus is currently ranked #1,337 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Lazarus has 3 syllables and is pronounced l-AZ-er-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Lazarus include Laz and Larry. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Lazarus include Lazaro, Lazar . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

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