Jen and Ben Reveal Daughter’s Name: Seraphina Rose Elizabeth!
 Clark Kent/Startraks |
Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have chosen the name Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck for their 7-day-old daughter, Jennifer’s rep tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Born January 6th in Los Angeles, Seraphina joins older sister Violet Anne, 3 — who proudly wore a tee advertising her new status out and about yesterday — at home.
Source: PEOPLE
Click below to see what Linda from NameBerry says about Seraphina, ranked #4047 at BabyCenter.com!
“I think they’ve made a wonderful choice, especially by pulling off the difficult trick of finding an appealing, non-weird name that hasn’t appeared on the Top 1000 list in the past century — a choice that surprised everyone. It’s a name that could start to catch on, as sister Violet’s has — and in this case there will be no doubt of the inspiration! Seraphina comes from the Hebrew word seraphim, the name of an order of winged angels — the highest angels in heaven — and is also a saint’s name. It’s feminine, elegant, rhythmic and spirited — quite different in feel from the more demure sister Violet’s name.
The Afflecks have followed one current trend though, by using two middle names rather than one — most likely with some family connection — one of which is a flower name like her sister’s.
In different variations, Serafina does have some cultural references. Spelled Serafina, it was the name of the passionate heroine of the Tennessee Williams play The Rose Tattoo, and more recently it was the character played by Eva Green in the movie The Golden Compass. It’s also reminiscent of Sarafina, the hit South African musical that played on Broadway in the 90s. On a personal note, it’s a name we picked as a recommended author’s favorite in our book The Baby Name Bible.”
- Posted on Jan 13, 09 at 3:15PM
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- 229 Comments
January 13th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Well, no one has guessed this one, that’s for sure !! It’s lovely and rare !! Welcome baby Seraphina !!!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
WOW that’s a mouthful. Congrats to them! I can’t wait to see her, I bet she looks just like Violet except with dark hair!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
i’ve been waiting to hear! welcome, seraphina! i bet she’s a cutie.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
I’ve been waiting for this forever and I just happened to be on the people site when it popped up! I’ve never heard Seraphina before – on first impression its unique but pretty! I love Rose as a middle name to keep the flower theme…
January 13th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
beautiful name!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I don’t like it at all…..Hopefully they just call her Sera
January 13th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
not a fan at all of this name.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Interesting. And rather unexpected.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
I reaaly like it, a lovely name! I thought they would give her a fairly usual name, this once in the middle I guessXD So happy for Ben and Jen with their two daughters!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Welcome Sera Rose!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
OMG just when we were talking about this, Seraphina is a surprise!
Unique name, I think it´s pretty.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
well, thats ummm…. unusual. i like rose elisabeth
January 13th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
wow, I just checked people .com and they announced the name and jumped back here. Beautiful name!!!!!!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!
I just adore this family.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:30 pm
I like the name!!!!
Very unique! Love it!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
That is a lot of name but I think Seraphina is darling. A half hour ago I was just googling “Chase Milan” and I’m really happy that that’s not the name! Seraphina Affleck sounds great!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Seraphina…is that Sare-uh-fee-nuh? Never heard of it lol
Well, it definitely could be worse haha, just kidding! Congratulations, I think her name is beautiful
January 13th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
What a beautiful and refreshing name! Congratulations to the whole family.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Oh I love that name! and I haven’t said this about a celeb baby name since… ever? I really like the character Serafina in The Golden Compass, and Serafina Rose is definitely something I’d consider for a daughter. Can this family get more perfect? lol
January 13th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Wow, I didn’t expect this one…but it’s very pretty! I’ve seen it in name books but never actually used. Aww, congrats again!!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
I was secretly expecting another color name- like Indigo or Magenta like Violet! Beautiful name although it does seem out of balance that Seraphina has three names while Violet only has two!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I really like the name…I think it goes so well with Violet. I read on another site, that the baby’s name was Chase Milan and I just didn’t think that was a name that they would choose based on Viloet’s name. Can’t wait to see the first pics of little Seraphina
January 13th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I think that’s cute name! Very lovely. I bet she’ll be so adorable like her big sis.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Seraphina is a very old name (am a family tree buff so I come across many old names) with an italian touch I think. I’d imagine she would get called “Sera” though, Rose and Elizabeth are very ‘predictable’ as to what we’d all thought they’d name their new baby girl, but very pretty.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Pretty unusual, but I like it. Matches really nice with Violet Anne.
Only 1 thing I’m always very surprised about it that some people don’t give all their kids the same amount of names. Violet has got 2 names and now Seraphina has got 3! When I have kids, I’ll definitely give them all the same amount of names.
Is it just me who finds this slightly odd, or do others feel the same way?
Anyway I think it’s a lovely name, very well chosen!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
It’s definitely not what I….expected. But nevertheless feminine.
This reminds me of Serafina Pekkala in the Philip Pullman series that my son’s teacher reads to his class in school!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Definitely not what most of us were expecting!
Seraphina is very unusual, but very pretty I think. The word seraph means “celestial being” and seraphim represent the highest known rank of angels.
Plus she can always go by “Sera” if she wants to when she’s older.
Love the name, congrats Jen, Ben, Violet & Seraphina
January 13th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Seraphina was my great grandmothers name, only it was spelled Serafina (with an ‘F’ instead of ‘PH’) I like the name…but I like Rose Elizabeth better…
Can wait to see the new baby!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
that name has a very special meaning to me…. I had a family friend that was Serafina (italian version). We lost Sera tragically…. i’s a beautiful name.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Wow. I am completely shocked. I like the name. I like the fact that both girls have a flower name. But, I do not think Seraphina matches the style of Violet. I hope they don’t call her Sera. That seems too boring in contrast to her full name.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
I like it! It’s beautiful and unique…both Violet and Seraphina seem like names from a different time…and I love that.
Seraphina=Seraphim=which means angel
Which is SO adorable! Ben and Jen’s little angel!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Hysterical! My daughter spent my ENTIRE pregnancy telling me that we should name the baby SERAPHINA!!!!! We went for Francesca as Seraphina is a Disney princess name. Its not to bad, it may grow on me. Good on them for picking an unusual name they like…I always wimp out…there is this tiny repressed part of me that wants to call my children things like Saffron, Rufus, Fern and Clementine. Yet I have never actually done it!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
i wonder – can this name be somehow shortened? ex. ser? finn? i highly doubt they’ll be calling her by full name ‘cos it’s long and i think will be turned to ‘nickname’, but can’t figure to which
January 13th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Definitely not what I was expecting, and I’m not so sure how much it goes with Violet (in my opinion)…
but it is a lovely name!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I like the name. But I think it is more beautiful, when it is spelled Sarafina. And the names Rose and Elizabeth are just gorgeous.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I love the name, so much that it is my little girl’s name ( 2.5 years old) Now my only concern is that the name will become popular ( like violet did ) or that everyone will always forget which baby is older and think I named my baby after theirs ! Oh well…I guess great minds think alike
)
January 13th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Pretty name! But I myself would never use it.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Sorry not crazy about the name.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Awww…I like it. Unique mixd with traditional. And Violet & Seraphina match well as sibling names.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
I think its a beautiful name. It’s actually one of my favorite names. I think its very lyrical and unusual, but not too out there.
Also, only she gets the right to shorten her name. Its her name. If she doesn’t want to be called “Rose Elizabeth” or “Sera” that’s her choice. But don’t shorten it for her already.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
Hmm, technically, she does have a floral name as a part of hers. I do like Seraphina’s name as a whole, I just thought the order of her middle names threw off the flow a bit, that it would’ve sounded better with one or the other. But now that I see it and say it a few times, the flows not the bad.
The name was a surprise, but a nice one. I love how it’s thrown everyone off a little…;)
January 13th, 2009 at 3:47 pm
WOW…I did not see that name coming, but whatever they’re happy with is great! I’m sure this will be a beautiful, very loved little girl!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
Actually, now that I think of it; I know a girl named Serafina, but everybody calls her Sara. I only found out it was her real name when she got her diploma at our graduation!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I am not sure about this name, hopefully she was named for someone that would make sense then
January 13th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Her initials actually spell “SERA”
January 13th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
thats a beautiful name!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Interesting name! I’ve never heard it before. I think I prefer just Rose Elizabeth but Seraphina isn’t altogether bad.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Isn’t that the name of one of the Barbie’s,when one of her million movies?
January 13th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I really like the name. Its old and classy. I have never heard it before, but its lovely.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
No, I agree with you Philippa. Violet Anne is just 3 syllables in itself, while Seraphina alone is 4! It’s a very pretty name but just my thoughts, I don’t really think Violet Anne and Seraphina Rose Elizabeth go together, ya know? Although I think Violet and Sera sounds really cute!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Beautiful name. Congratulations to the whole family.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Wow that is unusual!! But not bad, Seraphina is a really pretty name, although it’s a bit long, especially compared to Violet.
Violet & Sera flow really well for “everyday” use and Seraphina has a beautiful meaning.
January 13th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
I know a little girl called Seraphina, and they call her “phin” or “finn” (not sure how they spell it) for short
January 13th, 2009 at 3:58 pm
not what i would have expected or chosen
but it ALRIGHT, but i like Rose Elizabeth A LOT better!
Kayla Anne Lombardi, NJ
January 13th, 2009 at 4:00 pm
I like Rose & Elizabeth but OMG – Seraphina????? I did not see this coming!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I bet Their older child watched the Barbie Movie Princess and the Pauper. In it, there is a cat named Seraphina that is a companion to Princess Annalise. As the mother of young daughters, the movie immediately came to mind when I heard the name.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Wow!! I love it!!! Now I can’t wait to see the beautiful Seraphina….they’re such an awesome family!! CONGRATS!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
I guess no-one will be winning any bets
!!
I wonder if they couldn’t decide on a final (two?) names and that’s why we have waited a week for the announcement?
I have heard of Seraphina/Serafina but only when I lived in Africa for a few years.
I prefer Rose Elizabeth but congrats to them – I’m sure she will be as adorable as big sister Violet
January 13th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
My first thoughts were that it was a bizarre name. It reminds me of Ursula from The Little Mermaid. But it’s growing on me. I’m sure that she will be so cute that I will begin to think the name is beautiful soon.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
I absolutely love the name Seraphina. It’s pretty and classic without being too old fashioned or too completely wacky. Although I like the middle name Rose Elizabeth I do think it flows better the other way round Elizabeth Rose but that is just personal preference. It’s still a beautiful name for what I am sure is a very beautiful baby.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I like Seraphina, but it doesn’t go with Affleck, sounds awkward when you say them together. Oh well, their choice, mucho congrats to them- love this family.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
SERAPHINA
Gender: Feminine
Usage: English (Rare), German (Rare)
Feminine form of the Late Latin name Seraphinus, derived from the biblical word seraphim which was Hebrew in origin and meant “fiery ones”. The seraphim were an order of angels, described by Isaiah in the Bible as having six wings each. This was the name of a 13th-century Italian saint who made clothes for the poor. As an English name, it has never been common.
———————-
Why is it that when a couple names their child, so many have to say they dislike AND suggest other names?
I love the Garner-Afflecks. They are great parents and role models. I think they did justice to their newborn daughter by giving her a pretty name. It’s rare, but not made up like some of these names you hear these days.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
What an interesting, unexpected choice! It’s very lovely, but very different from Violet. I’m guessing we’ll hear lots of baby Seraphinas in the next few years.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
i just love the name!!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I’m not a huge fan of Seraphina. Its weird, I was only thinking about an hour ago – I bet they name her Rose.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I agree that Seraphina is a lovely name but I don’t think it really matches that well with Violet. I like when siblings names are matched well and in the same name categories…Rose would have been a perfectly matched name with Violet! I’m sure she’s a beautiful baby. Congrats to them!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:12 pm
I was way off on my guess for this little one’s name. I think that it is definitely original and after saying it a few times I really like it!! It is very feminine and I am sure that she will be as beautiful as her name.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Definitley not a name I would picture their daughter having, especially after the name they chose for their first daughter . It’s a very long name and doesn’t sound like it matches with Violet Anne. Rose Elizabeth would have been perfect, I never heard of seraphina before. Maybe that’s why they took a week to announce it, trying to decide on a name.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
beautiful name. I bet she is a cutie.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Wow, that’s not the name I was expecting from these two. I actually had a dream last night, that I ran into Jen and Violet at a local diner, and I asked them what the new baby’s name was, and she said “It’s between Nicole, or Sarah” I guess Sarah is the closet thing to Seraphina lol.
Where does the name come from? Anyone know.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Great choice! Pretty and different, but not weird.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
The only time I have heard that name was in the movie “Sarafina!” with Whoopi Goldberg. It was a very good movie (for a musical) about apartheid in Africa.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
I love the name, unique, but so pretty. And I think if she ever wanted to shorten it she could go by Fia.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Oh, I love her name! It’s totally cute and one of my first thoughts was I wonder if Violet had anything to do with helping to pick her sister’s name! Haha. The first thing I thought of was the Barbie Princess movie.
Aww, I bet she’s just as beautiful as her sister!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
My nickname for 25 yrs. has been Sarafina.
My daughter’s middle name is Rose.
My sister’s name is Elizabeth.
What a small world (names-wise, that is)!!
Congrats to the Affleck-Garner family!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
I was not expecting this name, not in a million years! I especially wasn’t expecting for them to give her 3 names because Violet’s is so short and sweet.
I don’t know if I like it yet. But I think the name will grow on me. It just seems like such a mouthful! I do think Violet and Seraphina do flow beautifully together.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
What a beautiful name!! The wait was killing me though, lol, since they are my favorite celebrity parents. I totally agree with you Kelpy, lol, I don’t think anybody will be winning any bets.
Congratulations to Jen and Ben, I can’t wait to see the first photos because I am sure she is as gorgeous as her sister and parents.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
They make lovely babies. At least they did not pick an overused name like Isabella, Gia, Madison, Jada or Emily. She will be a unique little girl just like her sister. There are some cute nicknames that can come from that name. So from one Jen to another Jen (who knows about the overuse of a name)… That name is very unique and beautiful.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:35 pm
It is cute, not my favorite, but better than zuma or apple.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
i like it,it is very pretty!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
I love her name. I’m all tapped out on the kids with trendy (Madison, Brayson, Kylie, etc.) names. Seraphina is classic and beautiful. But what is the preoccupation that some people have with sibling names that go together? They’re children not outfits.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:43 pm
I love it! So beautiful and like Natasha pointed out the initials represent what could be her nickname. (S.E.R.A) Sera aka Sara Elizabeth Rose Affleck. Very original. Can’t wait to see her with Violet.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
rosy j
that cant work haha her name is rose elizabeth not the other way around =)
January 13th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Wow! That’s a name I didn’t see coming. It’s pretty, though. Congrats to the Affleck family!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
it’s beautiful, i love it! it was definitely worth the wait. it’s unusual, but not outrageous – and very beautiful! Violet & Seraphina! <3
Congrats!
Now I can’t wait to see a picture of the family all together
January 13th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Why do sibling names have to ‘go together’ or have matching syllables?? Each child is an individual and I’m sure her name has special meaning for the couple. I think it’s a very sweet name!
January 13th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
I really like the name. It is lyrical sounding to me.
What I don’t understand is some comments relating to matching names. Just because people are related doesn’t mean they have to have matching names. What does it matter if Violet doesn’t “go” with Seraphina? Every baby is unique and parent’s shouldn’t have to feel like they have to match their children’s names so they flow off the tongue. With how many millions of names there are out there and how few children you can have in comparison, people should feel free to pick and choose whatever they fancy.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
It’s a pretty name, but definitely not one I expected-I was really thinking they would go with something much more classic and old school along the lines of Violet’s name. Not crazy about Elizabeth, though-Seraphina Rose would have been much less of a mouthful.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Wow, so many stars were having boys but lately it’s been all about the little girls! Rebecca and Jerry had their twin girls, Alison Sweeney had a girl today, Carnie Wilson’s got another little girl on the way, and now Jen and Ben release their daughter’s name!
Seraphina Rose Elizabeth is lovely, it’s probably been said before but maybe they’ll call her Sara as a nickname?
January 13th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Who says that siblings names need to go together??? How about just giving a child a name that suits them. They clearly put a lot of time and thought into her name and it must really perfect for her. I like it, kinda reminds me of Ophelia.
January 13th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Seraphina is an interesting choice, but I find it to be quite lovely and refreshing. I actually think the feminine, classy sound of it pairs quite well with Violet. Rose and Elizabeth are very pretty names too.
Congratulations, again, to Jen, Ben, and Violet!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Whatever they call her, she is going to be so pretty!! I cant wait to see her. I was hoping for something a little more along the lines of Caroline or something, but it’s still really pretty. Bravo! OOOOOO, I just love them
January 13th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
It’s a lovely name and congrats to them.
It just bugs me when people give their children names that don’t really match their heritage. Seraphina is more European sounding. I made sure my daughter’s name matched her Hispanic last name and was something that was not unheard of in my culture.
It is beautiful and besides ‘Phin’ or ‘Sera’, they could call her ‘Fina’.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
Seraphina reminds me of a hymn “cherubim and seraphim falling down before Him…!” Lol, not quite the same but similar!
Rose Elizabeth would be so lovely twinned with Violet Anne though.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
How do you prounce the name?
January 13th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
Is it for Father Seraphim Rose? It seems like quite the coincidence if it isn’t. It’s a lovely name!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
You are so right Kayla in nj. My bad. Anyway I like the name. It sounds very lyrical and yet saintly. I remember so many people hated Violet’s name at first but now a lot of people have since really embraced it.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I wonder if they are going to call her SERA and incorporate all of her names into it.
S- Seraphina
e- Elizabeth
r- Rose
a- Affleck
We had family friends that did that with the name Kate.
K- Katherine
A- Ann
T- Theresa
E- Ellingsworth
January 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
dont like the whole name but i think Sera Rose is VERY cute
January 13th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I have a thought. Ben was just in South Africa doing charity work, wasn’t he? Serafina is a name from that region, I believe. At least there is a musical with that name which is based in South Africa.
Also, I don’t understand why some people think sibling names have to “match.” What does that mean anyway? My poor mother would have had a horrible times trying to “match” the names of her 13 kids!!!
The name is beautiful. Congrats to Jen and Ben!!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
“It just bugs me when people give their children names that don’t really match their heritage.”
Are you that close to the family that you know their entire heritage?
I’m just really tired of the know-it-alls on here.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
There are many people that choose names that don’t necessarily “match” their heritage. I mean, I understand wanting to incorporate your own heritage in a name, as do most people, but there are plenty of beautiful names out there that many people like that don’t “match” their heritage or roots.
It’s a persons own decision.
I looked up the name, and it gives more details in the PEOPLE article, but Seraphina is a biblical name, hebrew, coming from Seraphim meaning “the fiery one”. I guess little Sera is a spitfire then lol.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
I bet it’s a family name. I like it.
Or maybe they let Violet pick a name, and she’s a Barbie princess fan (my niece tried to get me to name my daughter Hadley)?
Serafina Rose is beautiful.
I do think the longer name for this baby and the shorter Violet Anne is odd. I kept my kids names the same sound-ish, both with a shorter nickname, both with As, however, if I ever have a third, I have no idea!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
I have never heard this name before but it sounds really nice and unusual:)
January 13th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
Hi,
Thank goodness for this news, I was searching today to hear what they called their little girl as I love their classic and stylish naming style. I was horrified and shocked when I believed they had called their child Chase Milan. Sounds really fickle but their choice and style really went down in my expectations. So relieved they called her something classy and elegant. Beautiful name!
Where on earth did tacky Chase come from?!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
its growing on me! it is very pretty,and sounds like its from a different time (as does violet), so go well in that respect,though a bit of a mouthful!
well i’m guessing dave grohl’s second baba wont share the same name (as his first did) as he had already decided on Vi’s name before the afflecks had named their daughter Violet,and didnt want to change it.
The chances of them having picked the same name this time are VERY slim! lol.
congrats again to ben and jen (and more pics of the grohl’s please CBB!!)
January 13th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
PS: Perhaps Violet WAS involved in the selection.
Perhaps their baby girl was going to be called Rose Elizabeth but Violet wanted Seraphina added as well?
If thats the case, then if later on in life Violet wonders why she has two names when her sister has three, then Violet will be the answer.
it could explain why the baby girl has three.
But who knows…only they do
I’m just wondering (NOT criticizing)
January 13th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I’m really not loving this name. It’s long and it just sounds too pretentious for an infant. Whiel Violet Anne is cute, that just seems like they were looking to make a statement. either way, I’m glad mom and baby are doing well.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
When I first saw Seraphina, I didn’t like it…but I’m coming around to it. I think her middle names Rose and Elizabeth sound great with it!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Like the name
January 13th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
I think it’s really pretty too and goes with Violet! Congrats to them!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Interesting choice of name. It’s a bit of a mouthful. Not a particular favourite of mine, but at least it’s an unusual name. I like the idea of shortening it to Sera though. Her middle names are so nice; I am sure they have some meaning behind them.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
You could tell that when Jen was pregnant with Seraphina that her
baby moved a lot and it showed!!.. and It is nice that she finally
came out with the name. It is like Suri the same thing.. Suri is
a biblical name too. With a similiar meaning..Better than Chase
Milan..
January 13th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I love the name it’s very…antique sounding. Like something my grandmother’s mother would be named. It’s beautiful
Although I did think they’d name her a first name of a flower…but they managed to get that in there just as a second name.
Congrats to all of them
January 13th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Wow, I really wasn’t expecting it, but I love it. It’s really beautiful. I wonder if they’ll call her Sera.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
Have always liked this name. I believe it was a character’s name in the new version of An American Werewolf in Paris….I’m not sure I understand the reasoning for sibling’s name having to “match”…they are each individuals and should have their own monikers. Unless everybody wants to be like the Duggars
January 13th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Wow Seraphina is a gorgeous name! Aww its one of my faves i can’t believe thats her name, it’s very cool. Reminds me of Seraphina Pekkala from Northan Lights.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Seraphina is a mouthful!! I don’t dislike it but it certainly doesn’t fit with Violet or even Affleck. Maybe she’ll get Sera or go by a middle name someday. But overall it’s not that bad considering the names others give their children
January 13th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I’m not a huge fan of Seraphina, but love Rose and Elizabeth. I also love the nickname Sera, so I’m sure it will grow on me. I guess I just feel like it’s a little long.
Either, I’m sure little Seraphina will be incredibly loved and happy, just like her big sister!
January 13th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Oh, Seraphina is one of my favorite names! Seraphina and Violet – both very feminine, lovely, old-fashioned, almost romantic names. Just gorgeous.
January 13th, 2009 at 5:56 pm
WOW! Serandippity comes to my mind when I hear it. But it’s the name THEY chose. These days people are creating names left and right it seems. I wonder what my grandchildren’s names will be?
January 13th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I really like the name – it’s a great choice in my opinion.
I was just skimming through the comments though and one thing struck me as odd – how many people think that sibling names should fit or go together. That is a concept I have truly never thought of. A first name going with a last – sure, that’s a given. But one sibling name going with another – that would be the last thing on my mind when naming children. Just an observation…..
January 13th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I wonder if they’ll refer to her as just Sera (Sarah) which is uncommon with celebs. Not really a fan of the name, but I’m anxious to see baby pics!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
Yeah….I think its a beautiful name, just doesn’t sound like it “goes” with them. Doesn’t mesh well with Violet.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Not keen on Seraphina, I think Rose Elizabeth is a sweet enough name as those 2 names but its Ben & Jen choice. Cant wait to see some photo’s of her I bet she is dark like mum & dad, congrats to them both again. xx
January 13th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I guess they could always shorten it to Sephy? I think Seraphina is very elegant.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Oooowwww what a perfect choice! I love this name. It’s pretty, it’s normal but unique and so elegant. So happy for them and their new family!! congrats from France / Paris
January 13th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
“These days people are creating names left and right it seems.”
Um…Seraphina is an old name.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
I don’t like seraphina i would rather only rose elizabeth but still it’s their baby.. congrats anyway
January 13th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Personally, I love the name! I think it is different without being too out there, and it has a sweet, old fashioned quality to it
January 13th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
I think Seraphina is absolutely gorgeous–I don’t want to call it old fashioned but kind of old timey classic…I love it and i think it goes beautifully with Violet. And come on can you imagine how GORGEOUS she is–I mean look at her parents and big sister…I cannot wait to meet Seraphina and to see her with big sister Violet. Great choice in names, unique and gorgeous!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
It would be cute if Violet had been involved. I got to choose my brother’s middle name, and I think it’s nice for both siblings if the older one helps find a name =)
I’m loving Seraphina more every time I think about it.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Nothing wrong with the name Seraphina, but like Violet, it really doesn’t go with their last name. HOWEVER–I’m sure little Sephy will thank her parents in fifteen years when she’s in school with her peers Buster, Puma, and Zuma. lol.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I have been waiting for the name to be revealed. I think the name is pretty and unique. Sera for short perhaps? Rose is one of my favorite middle names as well, Elizabeth works with it. Congrats to them!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
I love the name! But wow, that’s a long name all together
January 13th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
All three names are beautiful, but two names is enough for me! Congrats on the new baby girl to the family.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I’m sure their new baby girl is a little angel and the absolute best of luck to them as a family but that name is awful for a child. If Jennifer gave birth to an 80 year old woman then it would be fine but a baby’s name?
Hopefully the Seraphina will be dropped and she will end up being Rose. The only thing worse than Seraphine would be the “Sephy” that was suggested.
Even though I really dislike the first names of both their children (sorry folks)it’s absolutely nothing to do with me and I think it’s a wonderfully brave choice. It must have some special meaning to them.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I think I will make sure when my son is born in May that I put in great big bold letters on his birth announcement that his name was NOT chosen to “match” his brother and sister’s names. It was chosen for what it means to his father and I.
Personally, naming is and should be the decision of the parents only and they shouldn’t have to justify it or come up with a nickname for it for anyone. When my daughter was named Shelby, my in-laws demanded to know what relative of mine she was named after (she wasn’t) and what would be an acceptable nickname. My husband’s reply was, “Her name is Shelby, and she will be called Shelby and we named her because we love the name.”
I will probably be alone in this, but I am glad they didn’t give her a floral first name just to match her sister. That would have placed more importance on matching names than the individuality and uniqueness of each of their daughters.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Seraphina ….
I don’t like it realy, too long . But I’m sure they will get her a nick name as soon as possible
January 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
A good friend of mine has the name Serafine. She goes by Seri. Here is the name normal! Cute name, Seraphina Rose Elizabeth, sounds so classy and so NORMAL not like Zuma or so…! So congrats to the wohle Garner-Afleck family! do have the kids the name garner inside, too? like violet anne garner affleck or something like that?
And because of the 3 names of Seraphina: Maybe Violet Anne was involved in the choice of the name? Maybe Jennifer gave a name, Ben gave one and Violet had the chance to choose the third! So everyone was involved in it?
January 13th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I would never have guessed that would be her name, but I really love it! I’ve never even heard it before, but I’m really liking it. And it easily shortens to something completely common sounding. VERY cool!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
the name Seraphina is okay but if you shorten in sera rose sounds really cute!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Ohhh! I LOVE it! I adore the name Seraphina… i first heard it last year, actually from the Golden Compass movie and I thought, hrmm, that’s awfully pretty, but different. I don’t have children, but it was on my “short” list of names. Hope it won’t become common now though!!What i also love is that she can get Sera for short!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Wow, I love the name! Like a lot of other people, it reminds me of Serafina in the His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman – and I love those books.
I was expecting something like Lucy, Grace, Charlotte or Amelia, but Seraphina is gorgeous.
Congrats to Ben, Jen & little Vi, from the GC, Australia.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I’ve never heard of the name…not loving it. Much prefer Rose Elizabeth on its own
Gracie
January 13th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
You know I’m loving the name choice! Its unique but at the same time it is so beautiful. I wonder if they will call her Sera for short.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
Lovely name, but why are people saying the name Seraphina too long? It’s 9 letters, just like Elizabeth or Alexandra.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Seraphina is a gorgeous name but I didn’t expect it from them! I thought they’d go more traditional. Rose Elizabeth is a beautiful middle name too. I really like the name all together.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
AAAAHHH they took my name! I have said for years I was going to name my daughter Serafina!
Well, obviously I love the name.
January 13th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Hmm, at first I wasn’t sure about it but just over the last few minutes it’s kind of grown on me, lol. It sounds very feminine and classic, which I think is cute.
Congrats to Jen, Ben, and Violet on baby Seraphina!
January 13th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I really like different and unusual names – but I don’t much care for Seraphina. Rose Elizabeth – or Elizabeth Rose would have been prettier, imo.
Oh well – not my baby to name! lolol She’ll be adorable, no matter what. Can’t wait to see her pics
January 13th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Queen Seraphina is the name of a character in the Angelina Ballerina books/TV series, which my daughter just loves. That is who I immediately thought of when I heard their name choice! I wonder if Violet is an Angelina Ballerina fan too? hee hee
January 13th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
I think it’s kind of funny when people say names don’t “go together well” as sibling names. My brother’s name and my name don’t go well together when you say them together. Our first names sort of go together, but my parents never sat down and discussed how one would go with the other – mainly because each child is an individual and their name shouldn’t be dependent on their siblings, it just seems really silly! And also that it doesn’t go with the “theme” … I just think that’s funny because their is just one sibling before Seraphina came along, so there was never an established theme. My best friend’s name is Sarah, she is the oldest, and then came Vanessa, and then came Veronica. People always ask her why she doesn’t have a “v” name as well … and she just answers, well I came along first and they wanted to name me Sarah, and happened to like the name vanessa and veronica. And I’m sure that Ben and Jennifer weren’t thinking theme. A right theme would be “whatever names we love best!” – that’s my opinion.
I love the name Seraphina and was obsessed with it for the longest time. I outgrew wanting to name my children that, but I do still adore the name.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
It is great all these names Peanut, Zuma , Harlow, Honor and Sunday Rose..and now Sarafina..
Loved Vi’s tee shirt.. wonder if Grandmother Chris gave it to her…
January 13th, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I am sorry, but this is just one of the funniest things I’ve seen in awhile…
The number 47 was HUGE on Alias. It was in every single episode at least once (often hidden, making it difficult to spot) so for them to name their daughter the name ranked #4047 on Babycenter.com is so freaking ironic that I busted out laughing.
Just had to share. Congrats to the happy family!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I like it. And I like two middle names, as my Aurora Jane Katherine shows.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Like Violet, I think Seraphina will grow on me. I LOVE Rose Elizabeth. I think they’ll end up calling her Sera anyway.
Congratulations again.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I’m pretty surprised and not sure what to think initially but it’s different. I think I prefer Sarafina spelling since it seems less busy.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Cute! Seraphina is the name of the Kitty on the Princess Barbie movie!! My 2 year old is a big fan of that movie, I wonder if Violet has seen that movie? Hope Jen, Ben & the 2 girls are doing well!
January 13th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
It’s a very interesting name. I think it was the name of one of the lions in The Lion King.
Also it doesn’t seem weird to me that Seraphina has three names and Violet has two. I am Ryan Danielle and my brother is David Michael Louis (after both my grandfathers) and I’ve never even thought about it before.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
It was the name of one the daughters of Carla on Cheers, that was set in Boston, do think there is a connection, just wondering
January 13th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I’ve heard of that name before but it’s rare. I wonder why they gave her 3 names and Violet only 2 names. Can’t wait to see her.
January 13th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Awww….Lovely! I’ve been checking CBB like a maniac for this announcement–what a surprise but a gorgeous name-it’s a name of substance, I’d say. I immediately thought of the Barbie “Princess and the Pauper” kitten too; my daughter was OBSESSED with that movie when she was Violet’s age so I wouldn’t be surprised if the big sister had a say in naming the new little one.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
As for the discussion about Seraphina (which has been growing on me even more as the hours pass; it’s funny how that can happen), I have 3 siblings and I’m the only one with 2 middle names, while the rest of them had 1, and it was never an issue. I also don’t think that names should “go together” – I’m all about giving kids names that reflect their individuality. That’s why I’ve never liked when sisters all have the same middle name, or when twins are named rhyming names. That’s just my personal preference though, in the end it’s up to the parents what to name their kids!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
TO Ryan: Yes it is one of the lion’s names! That’s what first caught my attention to this article!
I guess they call her Sera for short. Lovely name, no doubt. Though I don’t believe this name will catch on as Violet did!
Either way – Congrats to them both!!
January 13th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Congrads to Ben, Jen, and Big sister Violet on the birth of Seraphina. In the 5 minutes that I’ve been on this site the name has already grown on me, and I know that when we see Seraphina we will all agree that her name suits her to a tee. When Violet was born I wasn’t keen on her name, but 3 years later I’ve used Violet as one of my twin’s (born Jan. 8!) middle names! Emma Violet and Chloe Elisabeth. Obviously I love the name Elisabeth. And Rose is the middle name for my eldest daughter!
Beautiful name for what I’m sure is a beautiful baby girl.
January 13th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I absolutely love it. It’s unique, fun, and beatiful. Congrats to them, a little Violet. Violet will be a great big sister to Seraphina Rose…
January 13th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
A sweet baby girl has unknowingly started a heated name debate
Yes all children are individuals thank you we didn’t know that! but for years during childhood, a childs name can be closely linked to those of their siblings as well (should they have any).
FOR EXAMPLE: If Mom and Dad are known as ‘Sarah & Tom’ and their childrens names are Amy and David, baby # 3 is hardly going to be named Dixiebelle…Horatio…Oksana or Detroit.
(well I certainly wouldn’t bet money on it would you)
January 13th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Definitely not what I was expecting. I really don’t like it – the middle names sound wonderful, it almost feels like the Seraphina was tacked on there, for some reason. It made me think of a series of books I once read about dragons, actually. It’s no Bronx Mowgli though, so hopefully it will grow on me.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I love the name…. Very old fashion and beautiful… As far as siblings go I don’t think there names have to “blend”… I’ve always found it weird when parents name all their kids with the same letter or have them match (names not clothes)… I think names should be as individual as the child…. I think 2 middle names are fine, my brother has 3 middle names Patrick Michael James Robert…lol… After all his uncles….
January 13th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
@ 153 – Jennifer/7:40pm
That’s exactly what I was thinking when I saw the name…Angelina Ballerina! All 5 of my kiddos LOVE it! Secretly, I do too…very cute.
As for the name…Seraphina – not too unusual…love Rose…a bit partial to Elizabeth…I really like it.
I know that some people thought that they would continue with the flower theme, but did anyone ever stop to think that maybe they never had the intention of doing a theme? I personally like sibling names that sounds alike or start with the same letter or whatever. My children are Austin, Kirsten, Allison, Kaitlyn, & Megan. But that’s what we like. It’s not for everyone.
Congratulations on the latest addition to this gorgeous family
January 13th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I am surprised by Seraphina. I would have thought they would have went more traditional and simple. Anyway………CONGRATULATIONS!!!
January 13th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
They went a bit out of the box on this one, but firmly rooted in history. I say, job well done!
It’s more important to find a wonderful name for the individual than it is to match the set. Elizabeth Rose or Rose Elizabeth would have been stately, but incredibly boring. Both sisters have beautiful names with their own character. I bet Seraphina will be wilder and Violet will be the straight arrow. Just a hunch.
Elisabeth
http://youcantcallitit.com
January 13th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
ANOTHER one of my very favourite names gone to the celebs! They are seriously excellent namers though – the best in Hollywood for sure. I’m just gutted that Seraphina will now be known as a celeb name, and anyone else who uses it from here on in will be thought of as copying
Welcome darling little Seraphina!
Congrats to them – they seem so lovely and have ‘kept it real’ AND have brilliant taste in names
January 13th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
I really want to like this name but it’s too corny for my taste,it sounds like candy flowers unicorns rainbows.Violet is a great name and so is Anne, its femenine,solemn and delicate without the sugar.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I do NOT like this name–I was expecting something like Lily Grace or something…I bet she looks like her mom!!
January 13th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
While Seraphina is not one of my favorite names, I am just thrilled that it is a real, legitimate female name, not one that was just made up or borrowed from a second-grader’s spelling test. Sure, it’s a name that does not conjure up images of infants– she’ll have to grow into her name– but she won’t know that until she’s older (unless someone tells her so).
I have a name like that. I was born in the 80s. My name peaked in popularity in the 1930s, just making it into the top 400. It wasn’t in the top 1000 names in the 1980s or 90s. While it can be annoying because people always spell it wrong, I enjoyed being the only one in my class with my name. And while my name has increased in popularity in the past 8 years (it’s back in the top 700!), I still have only met 7 people and 1 dog who share my name. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I hope Seraphina enjoys her name. Have fun growing into it. Be thankful that you will never outgrow it.
As for names needing to match, I think there are only a few rules for naming siblings. First, the names should be different.(George Foreman, I’m looking at you!). Second, even though I think themed names are silly for siblings, if you name your first four children Reagan, Clinton, Pierce, and Madison, perhaps you shouldn’t name your 5th child Daisy-Lou. Third, maybe you shouldn’t give one child a name like Bill or Allison and the second child a name like Pogostick or Funkadelic. And maybe names shouldn’t rhyme. That will just make it easier when you’re calling for just one child.
Okay, I’ll shut up now.
January 13th, 2009 at 11:44 pm
I knew a woman named Seraph — perhaps that’s an option for a shorter “nickname” for Seraphina. It kind of sounds like Sarah, but with the “ph” sound at the end. Interesting choice!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:25 am
It’s different and unusual, but I love this family so much that I cannot say anything bad about her name.
January 14th, 2009 at 12:27 am
Ok New Shoes – I’m curious what your name is!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:49 am
I was hoping they’d go with something simple like Violet. Seraphina is a bit of a mouthful and does not really go with the last name “Affleck”.
Sorry! Names are a personal preference…just like favorite colors.
I guess I’m not a fan of the 4 or 5 syllable names (eg, Isabella) unless maybe you have an Italian or Latino last name.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:25 am
Personally I would pick that kind of name for my daughter, but I still think it is still a sweet name. I wasn’t found at all about the idea of the baby carrying a flower name. Glad it is not thus!
)
Welcome Seraphina!
January 14th, 2009 at 1:26 am
I love this name and I love this baby. If she is anything like Violet, she has already stolen my heart. Congrats to Ben, Jen and Violet on the birth of their new little baby girl/sister.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:30 am
That name sounds a lot like russian one – Seraphima… a very unusual choice.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:37 am
It’s the name of a cat in one of the Barbie movies, my daughter loves it lol. I think it can be shorted and number of way to be molded to her personality. Plus she has two other names if she hates it
January 14th, 2009 at 1:51 am
Didn’t expect this name at all
But I guess its nice and Seraphina goes nice with Violet.
But I really hope they are not going tot shorten it tob Sera or Phina etc. Seraphina is just way more beautiful.
January 14th, 2009 at 2:04 am
ABSOLUTELY LOVE the name !!! If I ever had a second daughter we would have named her Seraphine (the French version) … I’m not pregnant, but guess I should start thinking about a back-up as in the months/years to come, it will become a (too) popular name.
When pregnant with 1st daughter, Violette (French version of Violet) had been on my list, but choose another name instead (also with V) mainly because of popularity and the fact that in French “Viol” means rape ….
@ New Shoes (13 January 11:41 PM) What’s your name ?????? ;o)
January 14th, 2009 at 3:32 am
It’s a surprise but a nice one. Sounds very ethereal. Really beautiful. Only thing I find kind of strange is her having one more name than Violet.
Oh, I also liked the way they tied in the flower theme (Violet and Rose) but didn’t use it as a first name which would’ve been too ‘matchy-matchy’ for my taste.
By the way, with all due respect to the poster Mary-Helen, who believes it’s “too pretentious for an infant”, she won’t be an infant for very long. While she’s young she can always go by a nickname (such as Sera) and if she wants something more refined as she grows then she can go by Seraphina. Better to give a person a name they can grow into rather than one they can grow out of.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:56 am
I really thought they’d go with a simple yet beautiful name, which I guess they did with Rose Elizabeth. I really do not like the Serephina part though. I don’t feel as though it goes with the rest of the name, especially the surname. Seraphina Affleck, doesn’t flow all that well to me. I also don’t think it goes too well with Violet. Not that it has to, but it’s just when a couple choose such a pretty name for their first daughter and then have a totally different kind for their second, it seems odd to me. Rose Elizabeth Affleck is so incredibly beautiful.
That said, she’s a little bit of Jen and a little bit of Ben, so OF COURSE she will be gorgeous. Congrats Violet for your little sister, although it might be a while before you learn how to say her name!
January 14th, 2009 at 4:43 am
That’s surprised me because Violet is a nice simple name whereas Seraphina seems the total opposite! Anyway they must love it, so hope they are all settling in well together
January 14th, 2009 at 4:45 am
I absolutely love the name! It is gorgeous!
It sounds very Russian to me, Saint Seraphim of Sarov was a very important personality in Russian Orthodox Church.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:15 am
Wow… none of us were expecting that! But I think it’s a really gorgeous name. It’s like Violet Anne in that it’s feminine and old-fashioned (but not so much so that it sounds out-of-place amongst more “modern” names) but just a little bit more elaborate, if you know what I mean.
It sounds like a very strong name, but at the same time very pretty and sweet. Worth the wait I think, even if only for the shock I got! No, I’m kidding, it’s very beautiful.
Although I kind of disagree with this belief that seems to be that all names must have aephn accompanying nickname, if Jen and Ben should feel the need to shorten Seraphina’s name they could always use: Sera, Phina, Fifi, Finn, Raphy, Sephy or even Sophie, one of her middle names….
or just leave it at Seraphina
With the matching name thing that everyone seems to be so concerned about, I don’t think it’s that big a deal at all. My slightly older brother’s name is Thomas Benjamin Van Hessling and I am Zezette Antonia LaRue Clementine Magdalena Van Hessling, so I’d say that in the eyes of most people our names don’t really match. But I’m sure in a year or so all you guys will hardly be able to say Violet without thinking of the name Seraphina.
blings to have different amounts of middle names. My four children have three different amounts. My eldest daughter is Una Harlow Francesca, my eldest son is Sacha Henry Moses Alekzi, my second son is Ptolemy August Fidel and my baby girl is Frankie Honey. Doesn’t mean I loved Sacha more just because he has more names haha.
Anyway, enough from me, I am so happy to hear the beautiful name for what I’m sure is a beautiful baby, judging from her parents’ track record
xox
January 14th, 2009 at 5:18 am
That’s a really lovely name – unique without being out there, and I love the meaning behind it (seraphim = angels). Congratulations!
January 14th, 2009 at 5:56 am
Hi, Love the name seraphina its a name i use on one of the sites i play on….my sis had a baby 5 months ago and i nagged her like crazy to call her serafina but she wouldnt…..dont like rose or elizabeth
maybe they were going to have a flower name as a 1st choice but happened to fall in love with seraphina,rose is obviously in honour of big sis violet and elizabeth may be after a family memeber…as “anne” in violet anne is after jens sister i think??? just hope they dont shorten it…what is the point in giving a name and then calling them by something else!!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 6:16 am
I have been waiting since January 6th for Jennifer and Ben to announce the name of Violets new little sister…and finally, here it is! What do I think about it? It didn’t really like it at first….sounded a bit old fashioned and senior citizen-y….but its amazing how quickly i have warmed up to it! As I’ve been reading this discussion, the name Seraphina has totally grown over me….its a delicate, pretty and feminine name and totally unlike what celebrities are naming their children nowdays. Why name your daughter Apple or Grier when you can give her a beautiful, ornate name like Seraphina? I do believe girls should have feminine names…and the fact that they released a name after one whole week proves that their decision was well thought out…..not like these celebrities who give their children outrageous names just for publicity! Congratulations Jennifer, Ben, Violet and Seraphina!!! You” are one of the cutest families ever!
( I didn’t like Nicole Richie’s name choice at first but now Harlow is one of my favourite celebrity baby names….Seraphina and Harlow are both so biblical and sweet!
January 14th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Seraphina Affleck…. it would be like naming my kid Abigail Patel. Not that there is anything wrong with any of the above names, they just don’t match. Get it??? Even if the two sides of the family have European heritage (which most North Americans do anyway).
I am not being a know it all. It is a beautiful name and I hope it doesn’t become too popular.
Funny about how some people commented on the length of the name. I read an article about name trends saying children will be teased if their full first name is 1 or 2-syllables as most people have names with 3 syllables or more now.
January 14th, 2009 at 7:44 am
To Zezette, are your American ? If not where are you from ? You and your children have quite unique names ;o) My favorites being Clementine and August.
January 14th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I think it’s cute! It’s not a name I would pick, but it’s pretty. I think it sounds cute with Violet, and there are several cute nicknames she could be called. Plus, if she doesn’t like the name when she gets older (it is different and some kids may want a more traditional name that everyone will know how to spell) she could go by Elizabeth or Rose.
January 14th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Congrats to the Affleck’s! If they are going to mostly call her Sera it is too bad they didn’t change the order of the names they chose. If they had called her Seraphina Elizabeth Rose Affleck instead, her initials and her nick name would BOTH be S E R A, kinda fun. Either way, babies are always good news!
January 14th, 2009 at 9:02 am
I didn’t expected that name.It’s pretty I think they could call her Sarah.My father’s cousin name is Serafina(with f)but we call her simply Sara.It’s my name,so it would be great!Congrats to Jennifer,Ben,Violet I bet she’s excited to have a real baby at home.
January 14th, 2009 at 9:12 am
Seraphina is kinda growing on me.Kinda…but hey what does it matter to me? thrilled for this family! my all time favourite girls name is Ali Rose
January 14th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I love the name Seraphina! I actually fell in love with it when I was five and heard the name in a childrens song, I immediately named an imaginary friend Seraphina and have since started dreaming (literally!) of giving the name to a future daughter! Welcome to the world Seraphina Rose Elizabeth!
January 14th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I have loved the name Seraphina/Serafina for ages! It’s pronounced Sara-fee-nah for those of you who don’t know that. I’m sure more people are going to use the name now lol, damn. Ah well
I like Seraphina Rose…the Elizabeth part keeps it from flowing smoothly though. Either way, I love it and am so happy for them!
January 14th, 2009 at 10:07 am
Ughh! I was so not expecting this! Of course I love the name, as I named my 1 year old daughter, Serafina Dolores. She is named after St. Serafina. I just hope it does not gain in popularity, as I love that it is still fairly unique. We are already getting “Did you see?” emails. Oh well, at least it is spelled differently. I will probably shudder a bit the first time some says, “Oh like Ben and Jen’s daughter,” or someone thinks that is where we got the name.
January 14th, 2009 at 10:26 am
Seraphina’s a very pretty name; it makes me think of angels. It might be a mouthful for Violet- perhaps a nickname will come from however she pronounces it.
January 14th, 2009 at 11:12 am
I do like the name . . . I think it’s pretty and it can be shortened to something manageable.
Congratulations!
January 14th, 2009 at 11:54 am
In my country, there is NOTHING particularly controversial about the name Seraphina! Others should realise that the ‘popularity’ of names is relative. Just because a name is not known in the US, it doesn’t mean that elsewhere it isn’t the norm or, at least, unusual. I recall posts about name given to Lisa Bonet’s newborn child – the name was not unusual for a child of Hawaiian origin. Just coz they ain’t got it in the midwest, don’t make it weird…
Congratulations to Jennifer and Ben!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
congrats to the Afflecks
Seraphina is an adorable yet unusual name, it is something different, i like it and its not weird like other celeb baby names!!!
January 14th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I have to admit at first I was like “Ummm, what?” but I have to say there is something very old and romantic about it. It sounds rather lovely. I wish the entire family nothing but happiness and plenty of REST! Good luck with that.
January 14th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Seraphina is a perfect name! And I love Rose Elizabeth as well. So happy for them
PS: to “Zezette Antonia LaRue Clementine Magdalena Van Hessling”. Sorry, with all my respect, as a French reader, I cannot believe this. I’m sorry your parents put such a burden on you (unless you’re not aware of the meaning of “Zézette” in French…). And God, why people think La rue is a name??? Would you ever call your child “James Boulevard”???
January 14th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
Well, for anyone with a daughter under 8 and a fan of the Barbie inspired movies, Serafina would be familiar. It was the name of the cat in The Princess and the Pauper. My nearly 8 yo daughter loved the name and even named one of her dolls with it. I love it!
January 14th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
See, I dont hate it at all, The name we picked for our daughter, Evangeline, is becoming more popular because of Evangeline Lilly from the show Lost. My husband named her after a Bad Religion song. Everyone said it was such an old fashioned weird name, and it hasnt been in the top 1000 names since 1900 until 2 years ago, so I really love this revival of old names.
January 14th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Seraphina… Interesting choice. I’m hoping it will grow on me like Vilot’s did as well as Kingston and August Hermann’s did.
Congrats to the whole family
January 14th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
Beautiful, sort of delicate name. Goes well with Violet.
Sera makes a nice nickname.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I think it is a pretty name. She can go by Sera for short. It is unique and different. At least they did not name here something ridiculouse like Apple or Birdie. Those children are gonna be forever teased for their names. At least Seraphina is pretty and can be shortened to something that is normal.
January 14th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
I had a book as a child and the main character was named Serafina. I’ve never seen it with a ‘ph’ before. Has anyone else noticed the trend of two middle names? I wonder why that is suddenly so big.
January 14th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Natasha, it would have been nice if her name was Seraphina Elizabeth Rose Affleck = SERA, the first part of SERAphina! And they could call her the acronym, Sera, after all! But, it’s actually Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck = SREA. I don’t dislike any of the names, but I don’t like the flow (or lack of flow) of the way they put the names together.
January 14th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
such a unique name and ive never heard of Serephina before but i imagine it will suit baby affleck! Also the length of the name has grown on me aswell, although i think Seraphina Rose has a better flow.
However im sure they have their personal reasons for naming their baby girl all three names! Anyway congrats to ben jen and violet!
January 14th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
I think it’s the spelling I don’t like. The “ph” makes it look less pretty than it sounds. I prefer Serafina.
But either way – I’m happy for the Garner-Affleck family and wish them well!
January 14th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
I bet she’s as cute a little Violet! It’s unique and all but, that little girl will be teased at school really bad!
January 14th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
I was wondering if Violet had some input into the baby’s name. I, too, have young girls who are CRAZY about the Barbie Princess and the Pauper movie. My 5 year old named all of her dolls Sera after Seraphina the cat in the movie.
January 14th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Southernbelle you are right! I didn’t notice that.
I love it that so many people are saying they don’t get the whole sibling matching thing, either. I commented awhile back about that, too. I don’t see why that is even a consideration. That being said, Seraphina totally grew on me in the last few minutes. I am SO glad they didn’t do the cheesy flower matchy name.
January 15th, 2009 at 4:38 am
Congrats to Ben, Jen and Violet. The name Seraphina is a little strange, but I wouldn’t call it weird like Apple, Rumer, Scout, Tallulah, Zuma, etc. Maybe they will call her Sera or Fina. Those are pretty names.. I bet Violet is so happy to have a baby sister who she can play with when the baby gets older.. Babies are blessings!!
January 15th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
My 10 year old cat is name Seraphine. I have always liked the name.
January 15th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Just on the basis of a fitting names’ choices debate, I think a good option would have been “Iris Rose”.
Violet it’s not only a flower but a color also, so choosing “Iris” (which means ‘rainbow’) would have followed the theme. Also I think these two names are in the same ‘old-but-fashionable’ category and they both have the main syllabus first and same vowel pronunciation.
January 15th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
That’s a heck of a long name for a little girl! I wonder if it’s a family name, since Violet and Anne are both names from Jen’s family. It’s unusual, but not weird. Apple is a weird name. Seraphina is just uncommon. And it’s pretty. Not really my style, but it could grow on me.
I think it sounds nice with Violet, actually, both sound very delicate and ladylike.
January 16th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Yes, Seraphina is a bit of an unusual name…But hey, at least it’s not something like Peanut!
January 16th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Since when does it matter to have the names of siblings match? Are you kidding me? Moving on…the name is seriously romantic and perfectly sweet and precious. Many congratulations to the entire family.
January 16th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Wow, that’s different. It is an older name, but I actually kind of like it. I’m sure it will definitely grow in popularity now! At least it is a normal name, and she won’t be teased about it when she gets older. I really feel sorry for some of these celebrities’ children!!
January 17th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
I named my kitten Serafina back in August! It’s a name that she’s really grown into. I tend to call her Fina for short, but I think it’s a lovely, classy name that has a lot of possibilities for young Miss Affleck. Congratulations to the Affleck family!