Last Name Lazar

The surname Lazar is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Eleazar," which means "God is my help." It is a patronymic name, meaning "son of Eleazar." In Eastern European countries, this name was often spelled as Lazarev or Laszar during the Middle Ages and later became Lazar in various parts of Europe. The surname is most prevalent among Jewish families but can also be found among Slavic populations due to historical influences and migrations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lazar

The meaning and origin of the last name Lazar

The surname Lazar is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name Eliezer, which means "my God is help." However, it's often associated with the New Testament figure Lazarus, who was resurrected by Jesus. This association may have contributed to the surname's spread among Christian populations. The name Lazar is common in countries with significant Jewish and Christian communities, such as Israel, Russia, and various European nations. Variations of the name include Lasar, Laszlo, and Laszar, which may appear due to linguistic or regional influences. Over time, the surname Lazar has been carried by notable figures in history, including political leaders, scholars, and artists, reflecting its wide dispersal and enduring popularity.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lazar

The surname Lazar is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to Slavic cultures, particularly Eastern Europe. It is most frequently encountered in countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Poland. In these countries, the name often appears as Laszar or Laszlo in Hungarian-influenced areas. Additionally, there is a significant concentration of Lazars in Romania and Moldova, particularly in the historic regions of Moldavia and Wallachia. The name's origins can be traced back to biblical figures such as Lazarus, which has been adopted into various Slavic languages over time, resulting in its widespread usage across Eastern Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lazar

The surname Lazar has multiple variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Some common versions include:

1. Lazarevic - a Serbian variant of the name, which translates to 'son of Lazar.'
2. Lazaro - a Spanish and Italian version of the name, meaning 'God helps.'
3. Lazaridis - a Greek variation, which means 'descendant of Lazaros.'
4. Laszlo - a Hungarian form of Lazar, originating from the Hebrew Elias or Eliazar, meaning 'my God is Yahweh.'
5. Lazer - an English and Yiddish spelling variation of the name.
6. Lazaroff - a Slavic variant that may have been anglicized in some cases.
7. Lasar - another variation, though less common.
8. Lazaresh - a Middle English form of the name.
9. Losar - a possible transcription error or alternative spelling.
10. Lazarov - a Bulgarian variant, which translates to 'son of Lazar.'

These variations and spellings demonstrate the diversity in how the surname Lazar has been passed down throughout history and across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Lazar

The Lazar family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most well-known is Vladimir Lazarev, a Russian actor who gained international recognition for his role as Captain Nemo in the 1954 film "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." In the realm of music, Leonard Cohen, born Israel Tam Cohen but often known by his pen name Leonard Lazarus or simply Leonard Cohen, was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist, best known for hits like "Hallelujah" and "Suzanne." In sports, Yury Lazarev is a Russian former swimmer who won two gold medals at the 1988 Summer Olympics. Lastly, in the field of science, George B. Lazarus was an American geologist who made significant contributions to our understanding of Earth's history and plate tectonics. These individuals, each excelling in their respective domains, have solidified the Lazar name as a notable one in global culture and history.

Genealogical research on the last name Lazar

The Lazar surname is of Jewish origin and is derived from the Hebrew given name "Elijah." The earliest recorded instances of the Lazar family were found in Poland and Russia, with documented records tracing back to the 16th century. Notable figures bearing the Lazar surname include Rabbi Judah ben Samuel Luria (c. 1512–1573), a prominent Kabbalist in Safed, Israel, and Lazaro Cardenas del Rio (1894-1970), the Mexican general who led the Mexican Revolution and served as president from 1934 to 1940. The Lazar family has also been known for their contributions in various fields, such as mathematics, literature, politics, and the arts, spread across Europe, North America, and Israel. Throughout history, the Lazar family has maintained a strong sense of Jewish identity and tradition.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lazar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends