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At a Glance
- Meaning
- God has healed
- Origin
- Hebrew (via Spanish/Portuguese form of Raphael)
- Gender
- Boy
- Pronunciation
- rah-fah-EL
Rafael is a Hebrew name meaning "God has healed," reaching English through the Spanish and Portuguese form of Raphael. It's pronounced rah-fah-EL, and it fits the classic era while carrying a global, well-traveled feel. For parents wanting a name with real linguistic roots and long-standing use, Rafael is one to consider.
Meaning & Origin of Rafael
Meaning: God has healed.
Origin: Hebrew (via Spanish/Portuguese form of Raphael).
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce Rafael
rah-fah-ELIPA /rɑːfɑːˈɛl/
Popularity of Rafael
Rafael has been recorded in Social Security data since 1880, peaking at #195 in 1985 with 1,250 babies given the name that year. In 2024 it ranked #222 with 1,614 babies, showing it's still in steady use today.
Names Like Rafael
These names share Rafael’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name Rafael mean?
God has healed. (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Rafael?
Rafael is pronounced rah-fah-EL (IPA: /rɑːfɑːˈɛl/).
Is Rafael a popular name right now?
Rafael is near its all-time peak (#195 in 1985), ranked #222 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make Rafael Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Rafael, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Rafael? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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