Meaning & History
Lázaro is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Lazarus, a name of Biblical origin. The name traces back through Greek Lazaros to the Hebrew name Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר), meaning "God has helped" — derived from אֵל (ʾel, "God") and עָזַר (ʿazar, "to help"). In the New Testament, Lazarus of Bethany is famously raised from the dead by Jesus (John 11:1–44), making the name a symbol of divine intervention and resurrection. The Spanish and Portuguese form Lázaro emerged through the Vulgate Latin Lazarus and became common in Iberian Christian communities.
Notable Bearers
The name Lázaro has been borne by several notable figures, particularly in sports and the arts. In football, there are multiple Brazilian players named Lázaro, including Lázaro Vinícius Marques (born 2002) and Lázaro Vinícius Alves Martins (born 1990). Cuban athletes such as boxer Lázaro Álvarez and pole vaulter Lázaro Borges have also gained prominence. Other bearers include Filipino novelist Lázaro Francisco and Cuban chess Grandmaster Lázaro Bruzón. The surname Lázaro is also prevalent in Spanish-speaking countries, but as a first name it remains most consistently used in Portugal, Brazil, and the Spanish-speaking world.
Cultural Significance
In Hispanic and Lusophone cultures, Lázaro is a traditional yet less common given name, often chosen for its religious resonance. A famous literary reference is the picaresque novel Lazarillo de Tormes (1554), whose diminutive protagonist's name derives from Lázaro and highlights the name's humble, Everyman connotation. The name also appears in the Bible in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), influencing its spiritual symbolism.
- Meaning: "God has helped" (from Hebrew Eleazar)
- Origin: Spanish and Portuguese form of Lazarus, ultimately from Hebrew
- Type: Given name (also used as a surname)
- Usage Regions: Portugal, Brazil, Spain, and Latin America
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Lázaro