Ceferino

Meaning & origin

Ceferino is a rare Spanish and Italian name with ecclesiastical roots. With a first recorded year of 1924 and a peak in 1981, it has never ranked in U.S. popularity charts, reflecting its niche use primarily among families with strong Catholic or Hispanic heritage. The name's stable trajectory over the decades suggests it is a traditional choice passed down through families, though its bearer count remains low. While no single state has recorded notable usage, the name carries cultural weight through the venerated figure of Ceferino Namuncurá. For parents seeking a distinctive name with a saintly connection, Ceferino offers an uncommon but meaningful option.

Ceferino is the Spanish and Italian form of the Late Latin name Zephyrinus, which derives from the Greek Zephyros, the god of the west wind. The name was borne by Pope Zephyrinus in the early 3rd century. In Spanish-speaking cultures, it has been used primarily among Catholic families, often in honor of the Spanish saint Ceferino Namuncurá, a young indigenous Argentine beatified in 2007. Despite this association, the name remains rare in the United States.