Last Name Lazary

The surname Lazary is a variant of the Jewish surname "Lazarus," which has both Hebrew and Greek origins. In Hebrew, "Elaazar" or "El'azar" means "God helps" or "my God is help." In Greek, "Lazaros" or "Lazarus" means "Helped by God" or "protection of God." The name became popular due to the biblical figure Lazarus of Bethany, who was a close friend of Jesus and was resurrected by him. Over time, various spellings and variations of the name have emerged in different countries and regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lazary

The meaning and origin of the last name Lazary

The surname Lazary is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Elijah" (Eliyahu in Hebrew). In Hebrew, Eliyahu translates to "My God is Yahweh," with Yahweh being one of the names for God in the Old Testament. The surname may have been a nickname or occupational name for someone who was considered as having a spirit of prophecy and leadership, similar to the biblical prophet Elijah. Over time, the spelling of the name evolved into various forms such as Lazarus, Lazaro, Laszlo, and Lazary, reflecting regional linguistic variations. The surname Lazary is predominantly found in Eastern Europe, particularly among Ashkenazi Jews who migrated from regions like Poland and Russia during the Middle Ages.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lazary

The surname Lazary has a predominant presence in various countries, primarily in Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine, where it is derived from the Hebrew name "Eliezer" or the Russian form "Lazar". The Jewish community, who often adopted this surname, experienced significant migration to other parts of the world, including North America, due to historical events such as the Holocaust. In North America, high concentrations of the Lazary family can be found in countries like the United States and Canada, particularly in urban centers with large Jewish populations, such as New York City and Montreal. Additionally, smaller groups of this surname can also be found in Israel, Australia, and South Africa due to further migrations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lazary

The surname Lazary can be spelled and variationally represented in several ways due to differences in regional spelling conventions, immigration history, or personal preference. Some common variants include Lazarus, Lazaro, Lasarow, Laszlo, László, Lázár, Lázáry, Lázároff, and Lazer. These variations can be found among individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds, with some roots traceable to Hebrew, Hungarian, Jewish, or Polish origins. It's essential to remember that names can evolve over time and across borders due to various factors such as language, migration, and cultural assimilation.

Famous people with the last name Lazary

The Lazary family has produced several notable figures in various fields. One of the most renowned is Alex Lazarevich Lazarev (born 1987), a Russian competitive swimmer who represented Russia at three Olympic Games and won numerous medals, including five gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships. In the realm of literature, there is Saul Bellow (1915-2005), a Canadian-American novelist, essayist, and short-story writer, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1976. His works include "The Adventures of Augie March" and "Henderson the Rain King". Lastly, in the world of entertainment, there is Lena Lazarev (born 1988), a Russian-American singer and actress known for her role as Nadia on the television series "True Blood". These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields.

Genealogical research on the last name Lazary

The surname Lazary originates from various regions, reflecting its diverse historical roots. In France, it is a variant of Lasserre, derived from a place name meaning "the slope" or "the dry hill." In Poland and Ukraine, it may be of Jewish origin, potentially deriving from the Hebrew name Eliezer or its diminutive Lazar, which means "God is my help." In Greece, the surname could be a Hellenized form of the Slavic surname Lasar or Lasarevich, meaning "belonging to the one who sees." The family name Lazary can also be found in Hungary, where it may originate from the personal name Lázár, a variant of the Hebrew name Eleazar. Overall, the surname Lazary has multiple origins and is found across Europe, with Jewish, Slavic, and French roots among its possibilities.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "lazary"
• 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 : 31 July 2025

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