The name Lazaro is derived from the Hebrew name Elazar, which means "God has helped" or "whom God helps." It is a variant of the name Lazarus, which appears in the New Testament of the Bible. The earliest recorded example of the name Lazaro dates back to the 13th century in Spain, where it was used as a Spanish form of the name Lazarus.

The name gained popularity in the Christian tradition due to the biblical figure of Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ, as recounted in the Gospel of John. This biblical story contributed to the name's association with resurrection and new life. The name Lazaro was particularly common in Catholic regions of Europe and Latin America, where it was embraced by the Christian faithful.

One of the earliest recorded figures with the name Lazaro was Lazaro de Tormes, a Spanish writer and autobiographer from the 16th century, known for his work "La vida de Lazarillo de Tormes y de sus fortunas y adversidades" (The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes and of His Fortunes and Adversities), published in 1554. This picaresque novel is considered one of the earliest examples of the Renaissance novel in Spain.

Another notable figure was Lazaro Cardenas (1895-1970), a Mexican politician and military officer who served as the President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940. He is renowned for his progressive reforms, including the nationalization of the oil industry and the redistribution of land to peasants.

In the 17th century, Lazaro Diaz del Valle y de la Puerta (1667-1752) was a Spanish painter and engraver known for his religious works and portraiture. He was a prominent figure in the Baroque art movement in Spain.

Lazaro Baez (1809-1858) was a Cuban poet, essayist, and educator who played a significant role in the Cuban literary and cultural renaissance of the 19th century. His works, including "Fabulas Morales" (Moral Fables) and "Poesias Completas" (Complete Poems), explored themes of morality, patriotism, and social commentary.

Lazaro Cardenas Jr. (1919-2005), the son of the former Mexican president, was a prominent politician and diplomat in his own right. He served as the Governor of Michoacán and later as the Secretary of National Defense in Mexico.