Last Name Seraphin

The surname Seraphin is of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "seraphos," which means 'fiery-serpent' or 'burning one.' This name was often given to individuals who were considered fierce or passionate in character, as well as those associated with fire and light. In Christianity, seraphim are a type of angel or spiritual being that is said to be the highest rank of angels, known for their intense holiness and service to God. The name might have also been influenced by this religious concept due to its association with heavenly beings and purity. However, it's important to note that surnames have often undergone various changes during migration and over time, so the exact origin of a specific family may vary slightly.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Seraphin

The meaning and origin of the last name Seraphin

The surname Seraphin is derived from the Greek word "seraphim," which means "burning ones" in Hebrew, referring to a type of angel mentioned in the Bible (Isaiah 6:2-3). This name was initially used as a given name and later adopted as a surname, primarily among French speakers. It is believed that the surname Seraphin first appeared during the Middle Ages in France, where it was likely given to individuals associated with monastic or religious communities. Over time, the name spread to other regions through migration and assimilation, becoming a common surname across Europe and beyond. Today, the name is most prevalent among French Canadians, as well as in various parts of Europe and the Americas.

Geographical distribution of the last name Seraphin

The surname Seraphin is primarily concentrated in French-speaking regions, particularly Quebec, Canada, where it is one of the most common surnames originating from France. A significant number of people with the name Seraphin can also be found in other parts of Canada and the United States, particularly in states with a large French Canadian population such as Louisiana and Michigan. Additionally, there are notable populations of Seraphins in France, especially in regions like Normandy and Brittany, from where many French Canadians trace their ancestry. Small groups of individuals carrying this surname can also be found in other French-speaking countries like Belgium and Switzerland, and in various parts of the world with a historical presence of French colonialism or immigration, such as Haiti.

Variants and spellings of the last name Seraphin

The surname Seraphin has several variants and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some of the most common variations:

1. Seraphin - This is the original French spelling, which is pronounced as seh-raf-en.
2. Sarafin - A variant of Seraphin used predominantly in Eastern Europe, although it may also be found among individuals with French or Greek ancestry.
3. Zarafin - A less common variation, typically seen among individuals with French or Greek heritage.
4. Serafini - The Italian adaptation of the surname, pronounced seh-rah-fee-nee.
5. Serafim - A spelling used by individuals with Greek ancestry, which is pronounced seh-rah-feem.
6. Sarafim - Another Greek variation of the surname, pronounced sah-rah-feem.
7. Seraphyn or Seraphen - Rare variations that have been recorded in certain genealogies and historical records.
8. Czerapin - A Polish variation with a different pronunciation (tsheh-rah-pin) from the French original, potentially due to influences from neighboring countries.

Famous people with the last name Seraphin

Notable individuals with the surname Seraphin include:

1. Isaiah Thomas (basketball), an American professional basketball player who played for several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), including the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers. He won the NBA Championship with the Celtics in 2017.

2. Kelly Olynyk (basketball), a Canadian professional basketball player who currently plays for the Miami Heat of the NBA. He was drafted by the Boston Celtics in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft.

3. Raphaël-Glaude Seraphin, a Haitian politician who served as Prime Minister of Haiti from July 2014 to January 2015.

4. Marc-André Hamelin, a Canadian classical pianist and composer. He has won numerous awards for his solo performances and chamber music collaborations.

These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, spanning sports, politics, and music.

Genealogical research on the last name Seraphin

The surname Seraphin is primarily of French origin, derived from the given name Serge or Seraph, meaning "protector" or "guardian angel." The name has been recorded in various spellings over the centuries, including Seraphim, Seraphe, and Serafin.

In France, the Seraphin family can be traced back to the 12th century, with the first known record of the name being Jean Seraphin in the province of Bourgogne in 1170. Over time, members of this family migrated throughout France and later to other parts of Europe and the New World.

In North America, the Seraphins settled primarily in Quebec, Canada, and Louisiana, USA, as a result of French colonial expansion. Notable figures with the surname Seraphin include George Seraphin, a National Basketball Association (NBA) player who played for the Montreal Royals and Detroit Pistons; and Pierre-Joseph-Olivier Chauveau de la Jonquière, Seigneur of Beauport, an influential French Canadian nobleman.

The surname Seraphin has also been found in other countries due to migration, such as Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Seraphin"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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