Gabriel or Raphael?

[earlgreyismynectar]

for a middle name? DP prefers Gabriel, I prefer Raphael, opinions please!

[amothersplaceisinthewrong]

Raphael, Raffa for short. Think Nadal.

[innerstrength]

Gabriel is sweet. Raphael is extremely poncey.

[FunnysInTheGarden]

we have a Raphael, Rafe for short. But actually love both

[AliBean]

Can't help as a middle name - I have a Gabriel and if we have another boy he will be Raphael- so no help but both fabulous names!
What first name have you chosen?

[FunnysInTheGarden]

oy inner thats DS2 you are talking about............Mind you I am extremely poncey.............

[meditrina]

Raphael, by a long way. Lovely name.

[PaulaYatesbiggestfan]

Both heavenly
I give silly names but Raphael is quite 'up there' I think if you have a lot of confidence then do it. People might call you poncey but not to your face

I love Gabriel too but a bit too everyday for e although i used it as middle name

[PaulaYatesbiggestfan]

sorry not read your op properly - do Raphael oh yes - your allowed all degree of indulgance on a middle name. Beautiful!

[earlgreyismynectar]

First name Harris, surname 3 syllables beginning Peter. I love Raphael / Raff & think it works better with these names. Good to get feedback thanks!

[cece]

Use both if you like them. My DC have two middle names.

[earlgreyismynectar]

True cece though it would probably be a bit much with them both being angelic names! Pushing it a bit?! Plus all the triple syllables make it a bit of a mouthful. At the other end of the spectrum, one syllable names such as John (a family name) sound brilliant, but I love Raphael...!

[PepsiPopcorn]

Gabriel

[kreecherlivesupstairs]

I like both but still don't understand the fuss about middle names. DD has two but has only recently learned to spell one of them because she doesn't use it. Ever.

[Bucharest]

Same Saint's Day as well

I prefer Raphael, I find gabriel too girly.

(can I say I prefer it to Harris, can't you use them the other way round and have Harris as the middle name? )

[mamsnet]

I'm with Kreecher.. To such an extent that mine dont HAVE middle names..

But I presume nobody's interested in my weird ways anyway..

[earlgreyismynectar]

Well DD has a middle name so I'd like them to have the same, one is enough. I see it as the chance to be a little playful too as someone else suggested!

Fair comment re preferring Raphael to Harris, I ran a thread on the first name agony of Harris / Harry, he's known as Harry with Harris as the more formal option if he prefers when older. This name choosing has been such agony! DD was much easier! I struggle with boys names... I thought Harris / Harry Raphael Peter_ sounded good & flowed. I appreciate honesty as hard as it is!!!

[Onion1968]

Raphael def flows better after Harry. If you call him Harris Raph...etc that sounds incredibly posh and a yes, poncey. However the Harry combo sounds like you've given him a normal name then just added a very posh middle name.

[mollymole]

Def. Raphael after Harry - lovely name

[Chandon]

there is a Raf in our school (Raphael), not a poncey family, mother is French. I think it is more common in Europe (catholic countries)

[Janus]

I know a Raphael too but his mother is from Argentina, I love the name.
Agree about middle names, they really don't get used much but we're probably even weirder in that we didn't give first 2 a middle name but did with third and may with fourth. The oldest does get a bit miffed she hasn't got one! Poor thing!

[Hatterbox]

Raphael

[GothMummy]

Erm, we already have a Gabriel and the choice for the baby I am gestating will be Raphael, if its a boy. My only concern is that people will think we like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! But as long as we dont call the next one Donatello ;)

[earlgreyismynectar]

I never saw the Ninja Turtles so don't make that association though DP did mention it so it's obviously still "out there"! Love that a couple of you on here are using / have used both names for 2 sons, that's lovely! Raphael seems to have the edge just as I thought!

[zenoushka]

I love Gabriel.

[earlgreyismynectar]

It's looking like it's going to be Gabriel after all which I do love too (just not as much as Raphael!) but DP is refusing to budge. Raphael reminds him of Brazilian footballers and sleazy Latino types who say "hey laydeees" . How does Harris / Harry Gabriel Peter--- sound? Doesn't flow in my opinion but I do like it. Have to register next week as already had an additional 7 day reprieve due to DP not being home when he was meant to.