Last Name Lazare

The last name "Lazare" is of Sephardic Jewish origin. It is derived from the Hebrew given name "Eliezer," meaning "God is my help" or "God helps." Sephardic Jews are descendants of the Jewish communities that lived in the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) before their expulsion in the late 15th century. The surname "Lazare" likely originated amongst Sephardic Jews and spread as they migrated to different regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lazare

The meaning and origin of the last name Lazare

The surname Lazare is derived from the Hebrew name Lazarus, which holds religious significance in Christian and Jewish traditions. Lazarus originates from the biblical figure Lazarus of Bethany, who was famously raised from the dead by Jesus Christ. The name itself is believed to be a Greek form of the Hebrew name Eleazar, meaning "God has helped." Over time, the name Lazarus and its variations, including Lazare, have been adopted as surnames by descendants of those who initially held the given name. The surname Lazare is often found among Jewish communities, particularly those of Ashkenazi descent. Today, individuals with the surname Lazare can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in North America, Europe, and Israel, representing a diverse range of people who carry their ancestral connections and heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lazare

The surname Lazare is primarily found in France, particularly in the regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Occitanie, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It is also present in other French-speaking countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada. In Belgium, it is most concentrated in the regions of Brussels and Wallonia. Lazare may also be encountered in English-speaking countries due to migration and historical ties. In the United States, it can be found across various states, with notable concentrations in Louisiana, New York, and California. In Canada, Lazare is found in Quebec and Ontario. The surname might also be present in other countries with French influence, including former French colonies. Overall, while the geographical distribution of the Lazare surname is primarily centered in France and its neighboring regions, it has also spread to various parts of the world where French-speaking communities exist.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lazare

The last name Lazare has a few variations and spellings depending on regional influences and migration patterns. Some common variations include Lazar, Lazarus, Lasar, and Lazaro. These variations may be seen in different geographical areas or among different branches of the same family.

Throughout history, surnames have often been modified or anglicized when individuals and families migrated to new countries or regions. For example, some Lazare families may have adopted the spelling Lazar in English-speaking countries, while others may have used the Italian variant Lazaro after settling in Italy.

Furthermore, different cultures and languages may have their own way of pronouncing and spelling the name Lazare. In French-speaking regions, the name may be spelled as Lazare or Lazáre. In Eastern European countries, it might be written as Lazár or Lazarevich.

While these variations exist, the core meaning and origin of the name Lazare remain consistent. It is derived from the Hebrew name Eleazar, meaning "God has helped" or "God is my help."

Famous people with the last name Lazare

Unfortunately, there is limited information available on famous people with the last name Lazare. However, one notable figure is Rabbi Isaac Lazare, a renowned author and religious leader. Rabbi Isaac Lazare gained recognition for his scholarly contributions and expertise in Jewish texts and halakhic laws. His works, such as the book "Lehrbuch der jüdischen Geschichte und Literatur" (Textbook of Jewish History and Literature), have influenced and educated countless individuals interested in Jewish heritage. While there isn't an abundance of famous individuals with the surname Lazare, Rabbi Isaac Lazare's impact on Jewish scholarship solidifies his place among the notable Lazares in history.

Genealogical research on the last name Lazare

The surname Lazare, derived from the Hebrew given name Eleazar, can be traced back to ancient times. The name Eleazar itself has biblical origins, appearing in the Old Testament as the third son of Aaron, the brother of Moses. Over the centuries, this name spread across many different regions, including Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. In Europe, the Lazare surname is especially prevalent in countries such as France, Belgium, and Russia. The Jewish diaspora and migration patterns have contributed to the dispersion of the Lazare name globally. Many Lazare individuals and families have a rich history of engagement in various professions, such as medicine, law, and commerce, as well as involvement in philanthropy and public service. Exploring one's genealogy as a Lazare could unveil fascinating ancestral connections and shed light on the unique journey and contributions of the Lazare family over the course of history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lazare"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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