Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Rafe
BoyEnglish, Old Norse· “short form of Ralph, counsel wolf”
- Meaning
- short form of Ralph, counsel wolf
- Origin
- English, Old Norse
- Pronunciation
- RAYF
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,165
- US babies 2025
- 179
- Best rank
- #887 (1880)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Rafe
Rafe is an English and Old Norse name that is usually said to mean “short form of Ralph, counsel wolf”.
Rafe is a traditional English pronunciation and spelling of Ralph, which came into English from the Old Norse Ráðulfr and the Old English Rædwulf, combining words for counsel and wolf. In British aristocratic circles, Ralph was often pronounced RAYF, and the spelling Rafe reflects that sound. The actor Ralph Fiennes, whose name is pronounced this way, has helped keep the style in view. It is pronounced RAYF. Rafe is also used as a short form of Rafael. The name has a sophisticated yet rugged image, similar in feel to Jude and Rhys.
Popularity over time
Rafe 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 1 different years. Its best national rank was #887 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 2025, when 179 were named Rafe. In 2025, 179 babies were named Rafe, and it ranked #1,165 nationally. That is 116% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #2,728 in 1950, #7,037 in 1980, #5,254 in 2000, #2,063 in 2010, and #1,165 in 2025. Of the 2,935 US boys named Rafe since records began, 27% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 738 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Yohan, Umar, Tymir, Benaiah, and Amado.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Rafe ranked highest in Utah, Louisiana, and Missouri.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | #401 | 12 |
| Louisiana | #580 | 8 |
| Missouri | #700 | 8 |
| Ohio | #784 | 11 |
| North Carolina | #814 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Rafe is usually pronounced RAYF, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with R and ends in “-fe”.
Middle names for Rafe
A few middle names that flow with Rafe: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Rafe
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Lists that include Rafe
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Rafe mean?
Rafe is an English and Old Norse name that is usually said to mean “short form of Ralph, counsel wolf”.
What is the origin of the name Rafe?
Rafe has English and Old Norse roots. Rafe is a traditional English pronunciation and spelling of Ralph, which came into English from the Old Norse Ráðulfr and the Old English Rædwulf, combining words for counsel and wolf.
Is Rafe a popular name?
Not especially. Rafe ranked #1,165 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Rafe a boy or girl name?
Rafe is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Rafe?
Rafe is usually pronounced RAYF. 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