Seraphim
Primarily a girl's name of Hebrew origin with 215 recorded births. Also given to 105 boys.
Meaning & Origin
plural of Seraph
Seraphim is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, the plural form of seraph — the highest order of angels in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic angelology. The word derives from the Hebrew saraph, meaning 'burning one' or 'fiery.' In the Book of Isaiah, seraphim surround the throne of God with six wings, singing 'Holy, holy, holy.'
Using the plural form as a given name creates a name of overwhelming divine intensity — one that feels both ancient and strangely modern. With 105 recorded U.S. births, Seraphim is a rare, powerful choice for parents drawn to heavenly imagery and scriptural grandeur.
EtymologyShow more
Seraphim is cataloged under the Hebrew naming tradition. Hebrew names often carry theological significance — many embed references to God, virtues, or blessings within their structure.
In the U.S., Seraphim has been recorded as a girl's name since 1996, with 215 total births. Browse the Hebrew names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Seraphim was #9794 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #10922, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 31 | #12533 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 86 | #12316 | — |
| 2000s | 93 | #10684 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 5 | #15410 | — |
The Story of Seraphim
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2009, Seraphim is a name that defines a generation. Girls named Seraphim are most likely born between 1999 and 2019.
How rare is Seraphim?
Only about 1 in every 400,000 babies born in 2024 was named Seraphim — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1996, peaked in the 2000s with 93 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Seraphim by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(23 years, 1996–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9 | #10922 |
| 2022 | 7 | #13359 |
| 2021 | 9 | #11018 |
| 2020 | 6 | #14834 |
| 2019 | 6 | #15276 |
| 2018 | 13 | #8540 |
| 2017 | 7 | #13878 |
| 2016 | 12 | #9337 |
| 2014 | 14 | #8421 |
| 2013 | 5 | #18843 |
| 2012 | 12 | #9623 |
| 2011 | 11 | #10285 |
| 2010 | 6 | #16642 |
| 2009 | 16 | #8002 |
| 2007 | 8 | #13718 |
| 2006 | 11 | #10489 |
| 2005 | 10 | #10787 |
| 2004 | 11 | #9794 |
| 2003 | 12 | #8963 |
| 2002 | 9 | #10940 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Seraphim as a Boy's Name
Though more common for girls, Seraphim has a notable history as a boy's name too, with 105 births since 1923.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seraphim a boy's or girl's name?
When was Seraphim most popular?
How popular is the name Seraphim?
Can Seraphim be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1996–2024