Last Name Lazer

The surname Lazer has multiple possible origins due to its usage across various cultures. In some cases, it may be a variant of the Jewish surname Lasar (originally a personal name derived from the Hebrew "Lazar," meaning "God is my helper"), which was often adopted by Ashkenazi Jews. In other instances, Lazer could be a shortened or anglicized version of various Slavic names containing the element "laz" (meaning "leisure," "rest," or "idleness"). For example, in Polish and Russian, the name could be Łaźnia (meaning "bathhouse") or Лазарь (Lazar'), respectively. Lastly, Lazer may also have been used as a nickname for someone who was lazy or idler in certain regions, particularly within Western European cultures. However, it's essential to note that the origin of a specific instance of the surname Lazer may depend on the family history and cultural background from which it derives.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Lazer

The meaning and origin of the last name Lazer

The surname Lazer (or Laser) is of multiple origins, reflecting its widespread use across different cultures and historical periods. In some instances, it may be of Jewish origin, derived from the Hebrew name "Eliezer," meaning "God is my help." In other cases, it may have Slavic roots, where "Lazar" or "Łazarz" is a variant of the name Eleazar, which also means "God is my help" in Aramaic and Hebrew. Additionally, Lazer can be a shortened form of the German surname "von Lasser," meaning "from the place called Laser." The spelling variations like Lasar, Laizer, or Lazar reflect changes over time and regional differences. It's important to note that surnames were historically a way for individuals to identify themselves within a community, often based on their occupation, place of origin, or personal traits.

Geographical distribution of the last name Lazer

The last name Lazar is predominantly distributed across Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Belarus, and Ukraine. It also has significant presence in Russia and Israel. Historically, the Jewish community played a substantial role in its dissemination, as many Lazars are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. The name is often associated with the biblical figure Lazarus due to its Hebrew origin (Eli-ezer or Eli-azar), which translates to "God is my helper" or "God is my protector." Over time, the name has spread geographically through migration and assimilation, with notable Lazars found in North America, South America, Australia, and various countries in Western Europe.

Variants and spellings of the last name Lazer

The surname Lazer has various spellings and versions, reflecting its origin and adaptation across different cultures and languages. Some common variants include Laser, Lasar, Lazar, Lázár, Łazarz, and Lasser. The spelling may change due to regional dialects, immigration patterns, or assimilation processes. For instance, in Hungary and Poland, the name is often written as Lázár or Łazarz respectively, while in French it might be Lasser. In English-speaking countries, it is most commonly seen as Lazer or Laser. Despite these variations, all these surnames share a common ancestry and etymology, which can be traced back to the Hebrew name Eleazar (עֶלְעָזַר), meaning "God helps."

Famous people with the last name Lazer

Notable individuals bearing the surname Lazar include: Yuri Lazer, a Russian-American mathematician and computer scientist, known for his work in optimization algorithms; Arthur Lazer, an American physician who made significant contributions to the field of rheumatology; Richard A. Lazar, an American jurist who served as a United States District Judge; Shana Lazar, an American broadcast journalist and correspondent at CNN; and Marek Lazer, a Polish musician and composer. Each of these individuals has made significant contributions to their respective fields and is recognized for their achievements.

Genealogical research on the last name Lazer

The surname Lazer, variations include Lasser, Lasar, and Laszlo, has roots in multiple regions including Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Russia. Originating from the medieval period, it is derived from several possible origins. One theory suggests that it was an occupational name for a torch or lantern bearer, as "Lazer" comes from the Slavic word "lasati" which means to shine or blaze. Another theory posits that it was a nickname given to someone with light hair or a pale complexion. Throughout history, the Lazer family has produced notable figures such as Rabbi Eliyahu ben Shlomo Zalman Lozes (1729-1805), known as Aharon Halevi of Luzshchiz, who was a prominent Talmudic scholar and rabbi in Poland. Furthermore, the family has been involved in various fields including academia, science, and politics across Europe and America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Lazer"
• 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 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends