Saphira

Saphira is a spelling related to Sapphira, a name associated with a blue precious stone. The ancient Greek and Hebrew stone terms behind the name did not always correspond exactly to the modern mineral called sapphire; lapis lazuli is part of that historical discussion. In modern naming, the blue sapphire is the most immediate association.

Readers of Christopher Paolini’s Eragon will recognize Saphira as the name of the blue dragon. Sapphira, with two p’s, also occurs as a woman’s name in the New Testament, where she appears with Ananias. These give the similar spellings distinct literary and biblical associations. A family choosing Saphira may place most weight on the gemstone imagery or on the particular fictional character.