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Home › Baby Names Directory › Rafferty

Rafferty

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAF-ər-tee /ˈræf.ər.ti/High

Meaning: From the Irish surname O'Raithbheartaigh, 'prosperity-wielder; abundance, prosperity'Medium

In 30 seconds: Prosperity-wielder: Rafferty is the Irish 'abundance, prosperity'. Jaunty, charming, and warm (nickname Raff).
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Origin MediumIrish
MeaningFrom the Irish surname O'Raithbheartaigh, 'prosperity-wielder; abundance, prosperity'
U.S. rank (2025)#6360 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births14 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 269

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419872025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Rafferty comes from the Irish surname O'Raithbheartaigh, 'prosperity-wielder; abundance, prosperity, flood-tide'. A jaunty, charming surname-name (Jude Law's son Rafferty); nickname Raff or Ferdy.

It registers thinly as a first name. Rare, prosperity-wielder at the root, and jaunty.

Did you know? Rafferty means 'prosperity-wielder; abundance' (from the Irish O'Raithbheartaigh) — a jaunty, charming surname-name (actor Rafferty Law; nickname Raff).
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name — Rafferty — etymology

Variations

RafertyRafferty

Nicknames

Raff

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rafferty…

Finnegan— a fellow jaunty Irish surname-name
Callahan— another Irish -an surname-name
Cassidy— another surname-name pick
Donavan— a fellow Irish choice
Callaghan— another Irish name

Explore names like Rafferty

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rafferty mean?

Rafferty is Irish for 'prosperity-wielder; abundance, prosperity'.

How do you pronounce Rafferty?

It's said RAF-ər-tee /ˈræf.ər.ti/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rafferty a boy or girl name?

Rafferty is a boy's name.

How popular is Rafferty?

Rafferty is a rare name in the U.S.

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