Meaning & History
Lazaros is the Greek form of the name Lazarus, which itself derives from Hebrew Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר), meaning "God has helped." In the New Testament, Lazarus of Bethany—the brother of Mary and Martha—was famously raised from the dead by Jesus, a miracle that cemented the name's prominence in Christian tradition.
Etymology and Roots
The name Lazaros traces its roots through Lazarus back to Eleazar, which combines the Hebrew elements ʼēl (God) and ʿāzar (to help). In the Old Testament, Eleazar was Aaron's son and a high priest; in the New Testament, an Eleazar appears in Jesus's genealogy. The Greek form Lazaros was used in the Septuagint and later Greek biblical texts.
Notable Bearers
Historically, the name endured in Greek culture and the Eastern Orthodox world. Saint Lazaros of Mount Galesios (c. 972/981–1053) was a Byzantine monk and stylite renowned for his ascetic life. In modern times, many Greek athletes bear the name, including footballers Lazaros Christodoulopoulos, Lazaros Lamprou, and Lazaros Fotias, as well as basketball player Lazaros Agadakos and skier Lazaros Arkhontopoulos. Notably, Lazaros Kountouriotis (1769–1852) was a wealthy shipowner and a major figure in the Greek War of Independence.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The name is deeply connected to the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection (John 11), which made it a symbol of hope and renewal in Christianity. It is also used to refer to Lazarus of Bethany and, in some contexts, to the poor man Lazarus in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16). The Greek Orthodox Church venerates both figures. Beyond Greece, the name has equivalents in other languages—such as Ghazar in Armenian, Eliezer in Hebrew, and a widespread English form in Lazarus, particularly common in English-speaking Africa.
- Meaning: "God has helped"
- Origin: Greek (derived from Hebrew Eleazar)
- Type: First name (male)
- Usage: Greek, Greek Bible
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Lazaros