Lazer

♂ Boy

Pronounced LAY-zer /ˈleɪ.zər/High

Meaning: Yiddish form of Elazar or Eleazar, from Hebrew El'azar meaning 'God has helped'High

In 30 seconds: A traditional Yiddish form of Elazar, meaning 'God has helped.' It is a beloved name in Ashkenazi Jewish communities, connecting modern bearers to a rich biblical heritage.

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Origin HighHebrew, Yiddish

MeaningYiddish form of Elazar or Eleazar, from Hebrew El'azar meaning 'God has helped'

U.S. rank (2024)#3122 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births39 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 791

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lazer derives from the Yiddish pronunciation of Elazar (also spelled Eleazar), itself from Hebrew El'azar ('God has helped'). Elazar ben Aaron served as the third High Priest of Israel. The name was common among Ashkenazi Jews in Eastern Europe and remains in use in traditional Orthodox communities.

In Ashkenazi Jewish naming tradition, Lazer was among the most familiar everyday names for centuries alongside Moshe, Yankel, and Shloyme. It fell from wider use in the 20th century as Elazar and Lazarus became preferred in English-speaking contexts, but Lazer is seeing a quiet revival in Orthodox communities.

Did you know? Lazer is the everyday Yiddish pronunciation of Elazar, one of the sons of Aaron in the Torah who became High Priest of Israel after his father's death — a figure of great priestly dignity.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Elazar — Hebrew origin and Yiddish variantsEncyclopedia Judaica — Eleazar — Biblical and rabbinic context

Variations

ElazarEleazarLazarusLazar

Nicknames

Laz

Famous Bearers

★Eleazar (son of Aaron) (c. 1400s BCE)
Biblical High Priest of Israel who succeeded his father Aaron; Lazer is a Yiddish form derived from his Hebrew name El'azar.

If you like Lazer…

Elazar— the formal Hebrew source name with identical meaning

Lazarus— the Greco-Latin form of the same name used in Christian tradition

Asher— Hebrew biblical name with a joyful meaning and similar cultural weight

Ezra— short, strong Hebrew name with priestly biblical associations

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lazer mean?

Lazer means 'God has helped,' as the Yiddish form of the Hebrew name Elazar.

How do you pronounce Lazer?

Lazer is pronounced LAY-zer (/ˈleɪ.zər/), two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Lazer a boy or girl name?

Lazer is used exclusively as a boy's name in Ashkenazi Jewish tradition.

How popular is Lazer?

Lazer is rare outside Orthodox Jewish communities but is seeing a quiet revival as an authentic heritage name.