Rafi

♂ Boy

Pronounced RAH-fee /ˈrɑː.fiː/High

Meaning: Exalted, high, elevated in statusHigh

In 30 seconds: A warm, two-syllable name meaning 'exalted' in Arabic and used across Jewish communities as a short form of Rafael, meaning 'God has healed.'

💕 Browse more names

Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningExalted, high, elevated in status

U.S. rank (2024)#3194 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 691

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Rafi carries dual heritage. In Arabic-speaking cultures it stands independently as a given name from the root rafa'a, meaning to raise or elevate, pointing to nobility and high standing. The name is used across the Arab world and among Muslim communities globally.

In Jewish communities, particularly those of Sephardic and Mizrahi heritage, Rafi functions as a familiar short form of Rafael, itself from the Hebrew rafa'el — God heals. This double tradition makes Rafi a versatile given name that crosses cultural and religious lines while remaining intimate and approachable.

Did you know? In Arabic, Rafi is both an independent name and a title of honor, appearing in Islamic tradition as one of the 99 names of God — Ar-Rafi means 'the Exalter.'

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Rafi — etymology and cultural usageOxford Dictionary of First Names — Arabic and Hebrew name roots

Variations

RafeeRaffyRaffiRafael

Nicknames

Raf

Famous Bearers

★Raffi (Raffi Cavoukian) (1948–present)
Armenian-Canadian children's singer-songwriter and author, known professionally as Raffi, famous for songs such as 'Baby Beluga' and 'Bananaphone'.

If you like Rafi…

Rafael— Rafi is commonly a short form of Rafael

Remy— short, friendly two-syllable name ending in a vowel sound

Rani

Ronin

Ravi— two-syllable multicultural name with an open, sunny feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Rafi mean?

Rafi means 'exalted' or 'elevated' in Arabic. It is also used as a short form of Rafael, meaning 'God has healed' in Hebrew.

How do you pronounce Rafi?

Rafi is pronounced RAH-fee /ˈrɑː.fiː/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Rafi a boy or girl name?

Rafi is predominantly used as a boy's name in Arabic and Jewish communities.

How popular is Rafi?

Rafi is a moderately used name in the U.S., popular among families with Arabic or Sephardic Jewish heritage.