Lazarus

Origin

From the Hebrew name לazarus (Elʿāzārūs), meaning 'God has helped'. The name appears in the Christian Bible as the brother of Martha and Mary, who was resurrected by Jesus. It entered English usage via Latin and Greek translations of the Bible. There are no known Aboriginal or Māori origins for this name.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'God has helped'. In Australian English contexts, it often connotes themes of resurrection, renewal, or divine intervention, influenced by biblical and cultural associations.

Pronunciation

/læzəˌrʌs/ (Australian English pronunciation, with stress on the second syllable) - 'LAZ-uh-rus'. Ipa transcription reflects typical Australian pronunciation.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 17 December (Feast of Saint Lazarus, recognised in Catholic and Orthodox traditions)
• 28 April (commemoration of Lazarus of Bethany in some Christian calendars)
• No specific Māori or Aboriginal culturally significant dates associated with this name.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with lazarus:

• Mary and Lazarus
• George and Lazarus
• Sarah and Lazarus

Fun Facts

• The name Lazarus gained popularity in Australia partly due to its biblical significance and use in literature and films.
• In Australian pop culture, 'Lazarus' has been used as a symbol of revival, such as the story of the Lazarus Effect.
• There are Australian Christian communities that celebrate Lazarus through church events and prayer groups.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name lazarus:

• Compassionate
• Resilient
• Spiritual

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a classic, solemn aesthetic, often associated with religious art and traditional typographies, which gives it a timeless visual appeal in Australian contexts.

Geographical Distribution

More common in regions with strong Christian communities, such as parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, especially among faith-based families.

Numerological Significance

Name number 8, associated with power, leadership, and material success; suggests resilience and strength, fitting for the biblical and cultural themes of revival.

Astrological Connections

Often associated with Cancer or Leo zodiac signs, which are linked to themes of resilience, healing, and renewal, reflecting the name's biblical and cultural symbolism.

Historical Context

The biblical Lazarus has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music in Australia. Notable Australians with the name include Lazarus, a prominent religious leader and community organiser in some faith communities.

Linguistic Adaptability

The name adapts well across languages, with variants in Latin, French, Spanish, and Italian. It is transcribed similarly in many scripts with minimal changes.

Famous People Named lazarus

• Lazarus Long (fictional character from Robert A. Heinlein's works, embraced by some Australian science fiction fans)
• Lazarus (Australian Christian community leader)
• Lazarus Wills (historical figure, early settler)

Popularity in Australia