Home › Baby Names Directory › Raphael

Raphael

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAF-ee-el /ˈræf.i.ɛl/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Rafa'el, combining rapha meaning to heal with El meaning God; God has healedHigh

In 30 seconds: Raphael is a majestic Hebrew name meaning 'God has healed,' borne by an archangel, a Renaissance master, and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle — timelessly grand across centuries.
💕 Browse more names
Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom Hebrew Rafa'el, combining rapha meaning to heal with El meaning God; God has healed
U.S. rank (2025)#394 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births807 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2025
Total births (all-time)≈ 24,246

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202518822025

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

History & Origin

Raphael derives from Hebrew Rafa'el, combining rapha (to heal) and El (God). The archangel Raphael appears in the Book of Tobit as a healer and guide, and is venerated in multiple religious traditions.

The name flourished in Renaissance Italy, immortalized by the painter Raphael Sanzio. It has seen a strong modern revival as elaborate, angelic names come back into fashion.

Did you know? Raphael is one of only three archangels named in canonical scripture — alongside Michael and Gabriel — giving the name unparalleled angelic prestige in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Overall data confidence 97%
Behind the Name — Raphael — etymology and religious historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

RafaelRaffaeleRaffaello

Nicknames

RafeRaffyRaf

Famous Bearers

  • ★Raphael (painter) (1483–1520)
    Italian Renaissance master, one of the greatest painters of all time; born Raffaello Sanzio.
  • ★Archangel Raphael (biblical)
    Archangel venerated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; healer and guide in the Book of Tobit.

If you like Raphael…

Gabriel— fellow archangel name with the same divine Hebrew heritage and soaring majesty
Michael— shares the archangel prestige and enduring top-of-the-charts Hebrew legacy
Ezra— another Hebrew name with biblical depth enjoying a strong modern revival
Matteo— Italian form of Matthew with the same Renaissance artisan feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Raphael mean?

Raphael means God has healed, from Hebrew rapha (to heal) and El (God).

How do you pronounce Raphael?

It is said RAF-ee-el /ˈræf.i.ɛl/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Raphael a religious name?

Yes, Raphael is the name of one of three named archangels in scripture, venerated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

What is the difference between Raphael and Rafael?

Rafael is the Spanish and Portuguese form; both mean the same thing and are widely used.