Seraphim

Meaning & origin

Seraphim is a name with deep religious roots, directly drawn from the Hebrew scriptures. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1996, reflecting a trend of adopting biblical and spiritual names. Despite its ancient origin, the name remains rare, with a rank of 10,107 in 2025 and a frequency of about 1 in 178,585 newborns. Its peak popularity occurred in 2009, though it has since held a stable trajectory. The name's association with seraphic beings gives it a transcendent quality, appealing to families seeking a unique but meaningful choice. While not tied to any particular state, its usage mirrors the broader American interest in revivalist and virtue names. Seraphim's plural form often leads to confusion with the singular Seraphina, but it stands on its own as a striking, celestial-inspired option.

The name Seraphim derives from the Hebrew word 'seraphim' (שְׂרָפִים), the plural of 'saraph' meaning 'fiery one' or 'burning one'. In the Bible, seraphim are a class of celestial beings described in the Book of Isaiah as attending to God. As a personal name, Seraphim has been used in Christian and Jewish contexts, particularly in Eastern Orthodox traditions where it is a common monastic name. It gained some usage as a given name in the English-speaking world in the late 20th century.