Serafini

Serafini is an Italian surname, derived from the given name Serafino, the Italian form of Seraphinus, which ultimately traces back to the biblical word seraphim, meaning “fiery ones” in Hebrew. The seraphim are an order of angels described in the Book of Isaiah as having six wings.

Etymology and History

The surname Serafini likely originated as a patronymic or family name based on the personal name Serafino. According to the Dictionary of American Family Names, Serafini is the plural form of Serafino, suggesting a familial or collective origin. While some sources propose an ancient origin dating to 400 B.C., the name is more solidly attested in medieval Italy. In the 17th century, Serafini may sometimes have been used as a baptismal name rather than a surname. The name gained popularity due to the veneration of Saint Serafino (or Seraphina in feminine form), a 13th-century Italian saint known for his charitable work.

Notable Bearers

The surname Serafini has been borne by a variety of notable individuals across different fields:

• Amadeus Serafini (born 1990), American actor.
• Andrew A. Serafini (born 1962), American politician from Maryland.
• Anunciado Serafini (1898–1963), Argentine Roman Catholic Bishop.
• Camillo Serafini (died 1952), Italian Marquis and Governor of Vatican City.
• Dan Serafini (born 1974), left-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher.
• Domenico Serafini (1852–1918), Italian cardinal.

Variants and Related Names

The surname has several variants, including Fini and Serafin, the latter also being a Polish surname. In Portuguese, the related form is Serafim. The root name Seraphina (feminine of Seraphinus) is also linked.

• Meaning: Derives from the biblical seraphim, “fiery ones”
• Origin: Italian
• Type: Surname (patronymic)
• Usage Regions: Italy, diaspora