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Lapidus as a surname with roots in the Judeo-Christian tradition, specifically from "Lapidoth", which was borne, in the Bible, by the husband of Deborah, and hence probably derived from lapidot, the Hebrew word for torches, yet is not exclusive to one religion or nationality.

Lapidus is also be derived from the Latin word lapideus, meaning 'made of stone'; 'stony', also from the Latin lapis meaning 'stone'. It could also be derived from the Latin adjective lepidus meaning pleasant or charming. A branch of the Roman gens Aemilia was cognominated Lepidus. Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was a member of the Second Triumvirate, with Octavius (later Caesar Augustus) and Marcus Antonius.

Distinguished 20th-century bearers of the name Lapidus include:

• Morris Lapidus, Russian-born American architect
• Ted Lapidus, French fashion designer
• Jens Lapidus, Swedish lawyer and writer
• *Rev. John Lapidus, Patriarchate of Moscow.

In Popular Culture

There is a character named Frank Lapidus, a pilot played by Jeff Fahey, on the ABC television show LOST.

References

1. Surname:Lapidus
2. Wexler, Paul Explorations in Judeo-Slavic linguistics Brill (Dec 1987) ISBN 978-9004076563 p.50
3. JM Latin-English Dictionary ADJ of stone; stony
4. Lapidus granite
5. Rev. John Lapidus interview by John L. Allen, Jr.

• Surnames