Seferina

Meaning & origin

Seferina is a rare name primarily recorded in the United States during the early 1900s. The earliest known year of use in the Social Security data is 1902, and its peak year was 1908. Since then, the name has been given only sporadically, with a stable trajectory that shows no recent revival. While its exact origins are uncertain, Seferina is widely considered a variant of Serafina, which itself comes from the Hebrew word for 'burning ones' and carries a strong religious and angelic connotation. The name appears to have been used among families with Italian or Spanish heritage, though no specific top states have been recorded. Because of its rarity and similarity to more common names like Serafina, Seferina remains an uncommon choice, appealing to those seeking a name with historical depth and a soft, melodic sound.

Seferina is likely a variant of Serafina, the feminine form of Serafino, which comes from the Hebrew seraphim (singular saraph), meaning 'burning ones.' The seraphim are a type of celestial being in Judeo-Christian tradition, often depicted with six wings. The name Serafina has been used in Italy and Spain since the Middle Ages, and Seferina may have emerged as a regional or phonological variation, particularly in southern Italian dialects.