Meaning & History
Etymology
Lazarus is the Latinized form of the Koine Greek Lā́zāros (Λᾱ́ζᾱρος), which itself derives from the Hebrew name Eleazar (אֶלְעָזָר), meaning "God has helped." The name appears in the New Testament in two contexts: first, as the brother of Mary and Martha whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:1–44), and second, as the beggar in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). Through the popularity of the Gospel accounts, Lazarus became a common Christian name, particularly among Eastern Christians.
Biblical Figures
In the Bible, Lazarus of Bethany is the best-known bearer: Jesus delays visiting his friend, then arrives after Lazarus has been dead four days and calls him out of the tomb. This miracle is the climactic sign before Jesus's own crucifixion. The Lazarus of the parable is a poor man covered with sores who longs for crumbs from the rich man's table; after death he is comforted at Abraham's side while the rich man suffers in Hades.
Historical Bearers
Several saints and martyrs bore the name: Lazarus of Persia (died 326), a Christian martyr under Shah Shapur II (see the persecutions described in Acts of the Persian Martyrs); Lazarus Zographos (died 867), a Greek icon-painter and monk martyred for refusing to cooperate with the Iconoclasts; and Lazarus of Aix (died 441), a bishop who promoted orthodox faith in southern Gaul. In modern times, notable bearers include Lazarus Chakwera, the current president of Malawi, and Lazarus Chigwandali, a disabled Malawian musician who adapts his instruments because of his disability.
Cultural Significance
The word "Lazarus" has entered Western culture as a metaphor for someone who returns from a deathlike state, and reappears in literature (e.g., Lazarus and His Beloved by Khalil Gibran) and popular music (e.g., the song "Lazarus" by David Bowie). The name is now most common in English-speaking Africa, where both given name and surname are widespread.
Usage and Variants
Associated forms include Lazaros (Greek), Ghazar (Armenian), and the Old Testament original Eleazar. Other cognates from the same Hebrew root are Eliezer and King ?