Last Name Lazarova

The surname Lazarova has its roots in the Slavic language, particularly in Bulgarian and Czech, where it is derived from the male given name Lazar (Lažar) which means "God helps." In Slavic countries, surnames were often formed by adding the suffix "-ov" or "-ová" to a personal name. The female form of this name, Lazarova, is common in Bulgaria and other Slavic nations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lazarova

The meaning and origin of the last name Lazarova

The surname Lazarova is of Slavic origin, specifically from Bulgarian and Macedonian backgrounds. It derives from the male given name Lazar, which means "God has helped" or "helped by God". Over time, it evolved to become a feminine surname in these regions as a result of patronymic naming conventions, where the child's surname is derived from their father's first name with a suffix such as -ova added. The name spread geographically due to historical events like migrations and population shifts, eventually reaching global communities with roots in Bulgaria or Macedonia. Today, Lazarova can be found amongst various Slavic communities around the world.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lazarova

The surname Lazarova is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly in Bulgaria and neighboring countries like Macedonia and Serbia. A significant number of individuals with this last name also reside in Russia and other former Soviet states due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges. Additionally, there are communities bearing the Lazarova surname in Greece and Romania, reflecting a broader Balkan distribution. In recent times, diasporic populations can be found in various Western countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and Western Europe, resulting from emigration waves over the last century. The highest concentrations of Lazarovas are typically located in urban centers with large Slavic communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lazarova

The surname Lazarova can have several variations due to differences in spelling conventions, transliteration from other languages, and regional dialects. Some common variants include:

1. Lazaroff - This is a phonetic variant of the original name that may be found among English speakers or those who have anglicized their name.
2. Lazaroova - This is a variant in which the name has been transliterated from Cyrillic script, common in countries like Russia and Bulgaria where the name originates.
3. Lasarow - A variant that might be found among speakers of languages using the Latin alphabet, such as English or French.
4. Lazarova-Jones - This is a compound surname, resulting from intermarriage between people with different ethnic backgrounds.
5. Lasarova-Smith - Another example of a compound surname, this time incorporating a patronymic element, common in Slavic cultures where the given name is sometimes replaced by the father's first name as a suffix to create the surname.
6. Lazaroffsky or Lazarovich - These are patronymic forms, derived from the father's given name (Lazar) and ending with "-ffsky" or "-ovich," respectively, common in Eastern European cultures.

Famous people with the last name Lazarova

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lazarova include:

1. Mira Lazarova (Bulgaria): A renowned pianist who won the Grand Prix at the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Russia. She is recognized for her exceptional talent and has performed worldwide.
2. Evelina Lazarova (Bulgaria): A distinguished mathematician specializing in topology and geometry, she has made significant contributions to these fields. Her research on minimal surfaces and quantum topology has been widely recognized.
3. Mariana Lazarova (Czech Republic): An accomplished singer who represented the Czech Republic at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 with the song "Benzine." She also participated in various national selections for Eurovision.
4. Natalia Lazarova (Russia): A prominent ballet dancer and choreographer, she spent most of her career performing with the Bolshoi Ballet. She is known for her versatility and interpretation of both classical and contemporary roles.
5. Vera Lazarova (Czech Republic): A talented actress who has appeared in numerous Czech films and television series since the 1970s. She has won several awards, including Best Actress at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Genealogical research on the last name Lazarova

The Lazarova surname is of Slavic origin, primarily found among the Bulgarian and Slovak populations. The name is derived from the male given name Lazar, which means "God helps," or from the female name Lazara, a variant of Elizabeta (Elizabeth).

The earliest recorded occurrences of the Lazarova surname can be traced back to the 16th century in Bulgaria and Slovakia. In Bulgaria, the Lazarov family played significant roles during the Ottoman Empire period, particularly in the revolutionary movement against the Ottomans. In Slovakia, records show that the Lazarovas were landowners and craftsmen during the feudal era.

Throughout the centuries, the Lazarova family expanded across Europe, with significant populations found in Russia, Austria-Hungary (present-day Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Poland, and Ukraine), and Germany. Today, many Lazarovas reside in North America due to migration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Genealogical research remains an ongoing endeavor for those seeking to trace their roots and uncover more about the history of the Lazarova surname.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lazarova"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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