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Rafael

♂ Boy

Pronounced rah-fah-EL /ˌræf.eɪˈɛl/High

Meaning: God has healed; Spanish/Portuguese form of Raphael, from Hebrew Rafa'el: rapha (heal) + El (God)High

In 30 seconds: The Spanish and Portuguese form of Raphael, meaning 'God has healed.' The archangel healer of Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition — and one of the great names of the Renaissance.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningGod has healed; Spanish/Portuguese form of Raphael, from Hebrew Rafa'el: rapha (heal) + El (God)
Peak year2006
Total births (all-time)≈ 77,331

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200618802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Rafael is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Raphael, from Hebrew רָפָאֵל (Rafa'el), composed of rapha ('to heal') and El ('God'). The Archangel Raphael is the healing angel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions, appearing notably in the Book of Tobit. The name has been used throughout the Hispanic world for centuries.

Rafael has been a top-100 U.S. boys' name for many years, especially popular in Latino communities. In Brazil it is among the most popular boys' names. The name also carries the prestige of the Renaissance painter Raphael and multiple sports champions named Rafael.

Did you know? The painter Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio, 1483–1520) — one of the three great Renaissance masters alongside Leonardo and Michelangelo — has made this name synonymous with artistic genius.

Variations

RaphaelRaffaelRaffaele

Nicknames

RafaRaf

Famous Bearers

  • ★Rafael Nadal (b. 1986)
    Spanish professional tennis player, 22-time Grand Slam champion.
  • ★Raphael (artist) (1483–1520)
    Italian Renaissance painter, one of the three great masters of the High Renaissance.

If you like Rafael…

Gabriel— fellow archangel name equally popular in Latino communities
Miguel— Spanish classic of the same stature and popularity
Sebastian— long elegant Spanish classic equally beloved
Mateo— popular Spanish biblical name on the same upward trend

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rafael mean?

Rafael means 'God has healed,' the Spanish/Portuguese form of Raphael, from Hebrew rapha (to heal) and El (God).

How do you pronounce Rafael?

Rafael is pronounced rah-fah-EL (/ˌræf.eɪˈɛl/) — three syllables with stress on the third.

Is Rafael a boy or girl name?

Rafael is used exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Rafael?

Rafael has been a consistent top-200 U.S. boys' name for decades, and one of the most popular boys' names in Brazil and Spain.