Back to Baby Names

Seraphina

Pronunciation: [ s-er-ahf-EEN-uh ]

Girl Name #778 Most Popular Rising 4 Syllables

Named for heaven's highest angels, burning with divine light

English Italian Jewish Christian
Elegant Whimsical Literary Spiritual Sophisticated

Meaning & Origin

"fiery, ardent"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
"the burning ones, highest angels"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English

The Story of Seraphina

Seraphina derives from the Hebrew word seraphim, the burning ones, the highest order of angels described in the Book of Isaiah as having six wings and surrounding the divine throne. The singular seraph comes from saraph meaning to burn, suggesting divine ardor and purifying fire. Seraphina is thus a name from the very top of the angelic hierarchy, even higher than archangels like Gabriel and Michael.

Seraphina received a major boost in 2009 when Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck named their daughter Seraphina. This celebrity choice triggered widespread adoption among parents seeking grand, whimsical, and deeply meaningful alternatives to more common names.

In medieval Christian angelology, seraphim were the angels closest to God, representing love and light. The name has also been used in Italian naming traditions for centuries. Saint Seraphina is venerated in Italian Catholicism.

Fun Facts

  • Seraphim are mentioned only twice in the entire Bible, in Isaiah 6:1-7
  • Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner named their daughter Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck in 2009

Seraphina in Other Languages

French Seraphine
German Serafina
Hebrew שרפינה
Italian Serafina
Spanish Serafina

Famous People Named Seraphina

S

Seraphina Affleck

Other

2009

Daughter of actors Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, whose birth popularized the name

S

Seraphina Dombegh Fictional

Other

Protagonist of Rachel Hartman's 2012 fantasy novel Seraphina, a half-dragon court musician

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
4
Popularity Rank
#778
Total SSA Count
362
Cultural Origins
English Italian Jewish Christian
Pronunciation
Moderate
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Sera Phina Fina

Pairs Well With

Seraphina Rose Seraphina Joy Seraphina Grace Seraphina Louise Seraphina Elise Seraphina Claire

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Seraphina and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Seraphina sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Seraphina

What does the name Seraphina mean?
"fiery, ardent" (from Hebrew). "the burning ones, highest angels" (from Hebrew). Seraphina derives from the Hebrew word seraphim, the burning ones, the highest order of angels described in the Book of Isaiah as having six wings and surrounding the divine throne. The singular seraph comes from saraph meaning to burn, suggesting divine ardor and purifying fire. Seraphina is thus a name from the very top of the angelic hierarchy, even higher than archangels like Gabriel and Michael.
What is the origin of the name Seraphina?
Seraphina has Hebrew, English, Italian, Jewish, and Christian origins. In Hebrew, it means "fiery, ardent". In Hebrew, it means "the burning ones, highest angels".
Is Seraphina a boy or girl name?
Seraphina is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Seraphina?
Seraphina is pronounced s-er-ahf-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Seraphina?
Seraphina is currently ranked #778 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Seraphina?
Common nicknames for Seraphina include Sera, Phina, and Fina.
What are good middle names for Seraphina?
Popular middle name pairings include Seraphina Rose, Seraphina Joy, Seraphina Grace, Seraphina Louise, Seraphina Elise, and Seraphina Claire.
What are good sibling names for Seraphina?
Names that pair well with Seraphina as siblings include Evangeline, Araminta, Celestine, Caspar, Felix, and Matthias.
How many syllables does Seraphina have?
Seraphina has 4 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Seraphina a common or rare name?
Seraphina is moderately common, ranked #778 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Seraphina

Seraphina is a girl name with English, Italian, Jewish, and Christian origins . The name means "fiery, ardent" in Hebrew .

Seraphina is currently ranked #778 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Seraphina has 4 syllables and is pronounced s-er-ahf-EEN-uh, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Seraphina include Sera, Phina, and Fina. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Seraphina include Serafina, Serayah, Seraphine . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists