Lazarus is a unique and distinctive male given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "Lazaros," which means "God has helped" or "God has aided." This name holds significant historical and biblical importance.
In the Bible, Lazarus is most notably known as the brother of Mary and Martha, who lived in Bethany. He was miraculously raised from the dead by Jesus Christ four days after his death, an event recorded in John 11:1-44. This story has made Lazarus a symbol of resurrection and hope.
The name Lazarus has been popular throughout history, with many notable figures bearing this name. For instance, Saint Lazarus of Sebaste was a Christian martyr who died during the persecution of Diocletian around 320 AD. His feast day is celebrated on August 8th in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Despite its biblical roots and historical significance, the name Lazarus has not been widely used in recent times. However, it remains an intriguing and meaningful option for parents seeking a unique name with deep historical roots.
Here are some fascinating statistics regarding the name Lazarus in the United States over time:
Over the course of more than a century (from 1882 to 2023), there have been a total of 3,709 births where the name Lazarus was given. This shows that the name has maintained a consistent presence in American culture and families.
From 1882 until around the late 1950s, the number of babies named Lazarus remained relatively low and stable, with fewer than 15 births per year on average. However, starting from the mid-1960s, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name.
The first significant leap occurred in 1974 when there were 15 births compared to just 5 or 7 in previous years. This trend continued through the late 1970s and early 1980s, with more than 20 births annually between 1976 and 1985.
The name Lazarus reached its peak popularity in recent years. In 2013, there were 112 births, followed by a record-breaking year of 152 births in 2017. The trend continued with another high point in 2021, when there were 172 babies named Lazarus.
This data demonstrates that while the name Lazarus may not have been incredibly popular throughout history, it has seen significant growth and popularity in recent decades. This is a testament to the evolving tastes and preferences of American parents when naming their children.