Last Name Lazaro

The surname Lazaro has origins that can be traced back to various countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, where it is a variant of the given name Eleazar, which is Hebrew in origin. The name Eleazar means "God is help" or "God helps." The Spanish and Portuguese versions of this name have evolved into Lazaro over time. In some cases, the surname Lazaro may also have Jewish roots, as Eleazar was a prominent figure in the Old Testament. However, it's important to note that surnames didn't become common practice among Jews until later periods, so it's possible for a Jewish person with the name Eleazar to not carry the Lazaro surname. The spread of this surname throughout Europe and other parts of the world can be attributed to migration due to various historical events such as the Crusades, the Inquisition, and colonization.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lazaro

The meaning and origin of the last name Lazaro

The surname Lazaro is of Hebrew and Greek origin, derived from the biblical name Eleazar, which means "God is my help." In Hebrew texts, Eleazar was a common name for priests and Levites. In Greek, the name became Eleazeros or Lazarios, which eventually evolved into the Spanish and Portuguese surname Lázaro (or Lázarus in English). The name Lazarus is also biblically significant as it refers to the friend of Jesus who was raised from the dead by him. The popularity of this name and its derivatives spread across various regions during the Middle Ages, particularly among Jewish and Christian communities, leading to its incorporation into many surnames in European countries, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lazaro

The last name Lazaro is predominantly found in regions with significant Spanish and Portuguese influence, particularly Spain, Portugal, their former colonies in Latin America, and the Philippines, due to historical migration patterns. In Europe, a high concentration of Lazaro can be found in Spain, particularly in the northern autonomous communities of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile-Leon. In South America, Brazil is home to a significant number of individuals with this surname, as well as countries such as Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Cuba. The Philippines, being a former Spanish colony, also has a notable presence of Lazaro. Additionally, small populations can be found in the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking countries, primarily among individuals of Latin American or Filipino descent.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lazaro

The surname Lazaro has several variations and spellings across different cultures and regions. Some common variants include: Lazarus, Lazarro, Lasarow, Lazzaro, Lasar, Lasarowicz, Laszlo, Laszar, Lázaro, Łazarz, Łazarowicz, Łazarów, Lazarevich, and Lasaridis. These variations may arise due to transliteration differences, regional dialects, or changes in spelling over time. It is also common for individuals from the same family to have slightly different spellings of their surname, especially when moving across national borders. The name Lazaro is most commonly associated with Spanish and Portuguese origin, but its roots can be traced back to various cultures including Greek, Jewish, and Slavic.

Famous people with the last name Lazaro

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lazaro include:

1. Ricky Martin (Enrique Martín Morales), born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a globally recognized singer, songwriter, and actor. He rose to fame in the Latin music scene before gaining international success with the English-language single "Livin' la Vida Loca".

2. Jon Secada (Jonathan Lazaro Secada), an American singer-songwriter and record producer, gained popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits such as "Just Another Day" and "Tears in Heaven". He is a two-time Grammy winner.

3. Jose Lazaro (Giovanni José Lázaro), a Cuban conductor, pianist, and composer, was the Musical Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional de Cuba for 16 years. He has conducted numerous orchestras worldwide, including the London Symphony Orchestra.

4. Adolfo Lazaro (Adolfo Lázaro Gómez), a Spanish actor and voice actor, has worked extensively in theater, television, and film since the 1960s. He is best known for his role as the titular character in the Spanish TV series "Los protegidos".

5. David Lazaro (David Antonio Lázaro), a Mexican former professional boxer, held the WBC Heavyweight title from 2008 to 2009. He is also known for his successful career in kickboxing and Muay Thai.

Genealogical research on the last name Lazaro

The surname Lazaro has roots in various regions, with significant presence in Spain, Portugal, and Jewish communities worldwide. Originating from the Hebrew name "Elisha," meaning "God is my salvation," it was first adopted by individuals who converted to Christianity during the Middle Ages. In Spain, the name became popular among Jews who were forcibly converted during the Inquisition, a period known as Conversos or Marranos. Over time, many descendants of these families emigrated from Spain and Portugal, carrying the surname Lazaro to other parts of Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. The name also has roots in the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean regions, with Arabic and Hebrew variants such as "Azar" or "El-Azar," indicating a potential connection to these areas. Notable individuals bearing the Lazaro surname include musician Carlos Santana and tennis player Gabriela Sabatini.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lazaro"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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