Poll for name Lazarus

[boys rule]

We want to name our fourth boy Lazarus. All of his brothers have Bible names. Is this name too unique. I don't want him to be picked on. We figured Laz for a nick name. Also, what goes with Lazarus? We need a middle name. We are not looking for a Bible middle name...something shorter would be nice. Thanks so much for your input.

[auroradawn]

Congratulations on your coming son, and way to go for picking Lazarus! I think it's a great name, and I've had it on my list. I don't know how it does in real life, though, because I've never met a Lazarus. My brother Barnabas doesn't have much trouble, though, and the names are similar.
Suggestions for middle names:

Lazarus Cale
Lazarus Christian (a combo I had on my list)
Lazarus Cole
Lazarus Hale
Lazarus Heath
Lazarus Hugh
Lazarus Jack
Lazarus John (I think this one is my favorite. It looks and sounds good, and the solid, familiar John anchors the more exotic Lazarus.)

If I nicknamed a Lazarus, I think I might pick Russ. (The downside is that people will assume he's Russell.) Best wishes!
P.S. If you don't mind sharing, what are your other sons' names?

[everwaiteing]

Lazarus James
Lazarus Thomas
Lazarus Ryan
Lazarus David

[thuja]

I like the sound of the name Lazarus, but the only boy I know with this name (and his parents) ultimately found it unusable because of the associations and negative responses and reverted to his middle name, Dylan.

[dantea]

I like the sound of Lazarus, and I think it could work fine.

Lazarus Jasper
Lazarus Jude
Lazarus Benjamin
Lazarus Alexander
Lazarus David
Lazarus Xavier
Lazarus Trent
Lazarus Beau
Lazarus Blake
Lazarus Cole
Lazarus George
Lazarus Grey
Lazarus Heath
Lazarus Scott
Lazarus Todd
Lazarus Vaughn
Lazarus Pierce
Lazarus Reed
Lazarus Graham
Lazarus Garrett
Lazarus Griffin
Lazarus Henry
Lazarus Owen
Lazarus Wayne
Lazarus Donovan
Lazarus Malachi
Lazarus Nathaniel

[nat108]

I agree with thuja, I couldn't get over the associations although I like the sound.
The two Lazarus' in the Bible are known for dying. Then there's an old Southern song called Po' Lazarus. It was featured at the beginning of O Brother Where Art Thou? That Lazarus ends up dead too.
BUT there are a lot of positives. One Lazarus was so loved by Jesus that he was resurrected, one ended up in Heaven, and one was considered a hero for standing up against mistreatment. Still I just think death and sorrow when I hear the name, although it could just as easily evoke bravery, happiness, and closeness to God

Eleazar is the Greek form of Lazarus, you could use it instead

Lazarus Eleazar- High Priest and son of Aaron
Lazarus Aaron
Lazarus Phinehas- High Priest and son of Eleazar/Lazarus
Lazarus Israel
Lazarus Abraham
Lazarus Isaac
Lazarus Amos
Lazarus Joel

ETA: Oops! You said you didn't want Biblical middles.
I like the sound of Lazarus Phinehas/Phineas and most don't even know it's Biblical. Lazarus Aaron sounds good too

[boys rule]

Thanks to all who responded. I do like Lazarus Scott and Lazarus Graham. He could be named after the great Billy Graham. Anyway...I know all the negatives to this name..I hesitate myself with the name..but my husband loves it. I don't want the little guy picked on. But, there are some pretty unusual names out there these days. I can't imagine what a little Phineas would go through these days (Phineas, where's Ferb?) or an Olivia, who is a little pig on a cartoon. How about Cliffords? (the big red dog?) I hope that his name builds character. I interpret the "Lazarus" story as a story about God's timing. When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick/died he stayed where he was and didn't rush home to heal him. No one could understand this...and some where angry with Jesus. But Jesus knew that everything would go according to God's plan..and decided to wait. The life lesson I have learned over my 8.5 years as a mother of 3 boys and a wife is that my timing means absolutely nothing and even though I see a situation as grim as all those did in Lazarus' day, God knows what he is doing. So Lazarus, my son, I hope you won't be teased, but if you are, mumma loves you.

[boys rule]

Oh, and my other boys are Jonah, Elijah, and Nathan.

[agirlinred]

Lazarus is a cool name, and the fact it has meaning to you is a bonus. Are you planning on having more children after Lazarus? My only hesitation would be this: Jonah, Elijah, and Nathan are all relatively common names. Lazarus is a little more out there. If you plan to have more kids, Lazarus might imply you're about to go off the Biblical name deep end. You can't exactly follow Lazarus up with Michael or John.

[nat108]

Since you're going with Lazarus I assumed you liked unusual and seeing your other names I'm surprised

I agree with agirlinred, Lazarus is a doozy next to Jonah, Elijah, and Nathan. Maybe make Lazarus the middle name? If not, if you have another child the name would need to be a showstopper like Lazarus.