Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rafael
BoyHebrew, Spanish· “God has healed”
- Meaning
- God has healed
- Origin
- Hebrew, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- rah-fy-EHL
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #218
- US babies 2025
- 1,639
- Best rank
- #195 (1985)
- Peak year
- 2006
Meaning and origin of Rafael
Rafael is a Hebrew and Spanish name that means “God has healed”.
Rafael is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Raphael, from the Hebrew Rephael, meaning "God has healed." Raphael is one of the archangels in Jewish and Christian tradition, appearing by name in the Book of Tobit, where he guides and heals. The Renaissance painter Raphael of Urbino gave the name artistic prestige, and it has remained a classic throughout the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking world. In English-speaking countries Rafael has a warm, romantic feel that sits well in bilingual families. The name is easy to pronounce in many languages, and Rafa is a popular, friendly short form.
Other spellings with the same sound: Raphael.
Popularity over time
Rafael has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 143 different years. Its best national rank was #195 in 1985, and the most babies received it in 2006, when 1,702 were named Rafael. In 2025, 1,639 babies were named Rafael, and it ranked #218 nationally. That is 34% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #550 in 1920, #389 in 1950, #208 in 1980, #230 in 2000, #258 in 2010, and #218 in 2025. Of the 89,379 US boys named Rafael since records began, 17% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 14,370 babies. Since 2010, 22,002 more have been named Rafael.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Keegan, Andy, Israel, Aden, and Fabian.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rafael ranked highest in District of Columbia, California, and Texas.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #58 | 14 |
| California | #127 | 323 |
| Texas | #133 | 295 |
| New York | #161 | 119 |
| Massachusetts | #162 | 42 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Rafael is usually pronounced rah-fy-EHL, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with R and ends in “-el”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Raphael.
Middle names for Rafael
A few middle names that flow with Rafael: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rafael
Similar names
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Lists that include Rafael
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rafael mean?
Rafael is a Hebrew and Spanish name that means “God has healed”.
What is the origin of the name Rafael?
Rafael has Hebrew, Spanish, and Portuguese roots. Rafael is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Raphael, from the Hebrew Rephael, meaning "God has healed." Raphael is one of the archangels in Jewish and Christian tradition, appearing by name in the Book of Tobit, where he guides and heals.
Is Rafael a popular name?
Yes. Rafael ranked #218 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Rafael a boy or girl name?
Rafael is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Rafael?
Rafael is usually pronounced rah-fy-EHL. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings