'seraphim' originates from Hebrew, specifically the word 'שׂרָפִים' (seraphim), where the root 'שׂרף' (saraph) meant 'to burn' or 'burning ones'.

'seraphim' entered English via Late Latin and Greek (Greek 'σεραφείμ' / 'serapheím'), and through ecclesiastical usage in Medieval and Early Modern English the Hebrew plural form was adopted unchanged in many contexts; the singular 'seraph' is also used.

Initially it referred to 'burning ones' (likely fiery or burning serpents in older Near Eastern texts); over time in Judeo-Christian tradition it became specialized as the name for a high order of angels, retaining the fiery imagery in many descriptions.