Rafa

♂ Boy

Rafa Pronunciation

Rafa is pronounced RAH-fah /ˈrɑ.fɑ/Medium

Meaning: A pet form of Rafael — from Hebrew Refael, 'God has healed; God heals'; here for boysMedium

In 30 seconds: God has healed: Rafa pets Rafael — 'God has healed'. Sunny, lively, and warm (said 'RAH-fah').

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Origin MediumHebrew, Spanish

MeaningA pet form of Rafael — from Hebrew Refael, 'God has healed; God heals'; here for boys

U.S. rank (2024)#5586 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births17 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 121

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Rafa is a pet form of Rafael — from Hebrew Refael, 'God has healed; God heals' (the archangel Raphael, the divine healer). A sunny, lively, beloved short name across the Spanish-speaking world (the tennis legend Rafa Nadal; the footballer Rafa; said 'RAH-fah'). Here covered for boys (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it appears in Latino families. Rare, God-has-healed at the root, and lively.

Did you know? Rafael means 'God has healed; God heals' (Hebrew Refael, the archangel of healing) — Rafa is its sunny, lively short form (the tennis champion Rafa Nadal; said 'RAH-fah').

Overall data confidence 68%

Behind the Name — Rafael — root etymology

Variations

RafaelRafeRaffa

Nicknames

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Themes & Styles

Hebrew Spanish Nickname-name

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rafa…

Rafael— the full name

Rafe— a fellow short form

Rafi— a companion pet form

Ronen— lands in the same popularity range

Rico— a similarly popular pick

→ See all names like Rafa

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names → · All Spanish names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Rafa?

Rafa is pronounced RAH-fah (/ˈrɑ.fɑ/). Press play above to hear Rafa said aloud.

How do you say Rafa?

Rafa is said RAH-fah (/ˈrɑ.fɑ/). Press play above to hear Rafa said aloud.

What does the name Rafa mean?

Rafa pets Rafael — Hebrew 'God has healed; God heals'.

Is Rafa a boy or girl name?

Rafa is a boy's name (occasionally a girls' pet of Rafaela).

How popular is Rafa?

Rafa is a rare name in the U.S.