Raphael? Yes or no?

[Stilldreamingofsun]

My son will be born on St Raphaels day (24th October). We are Catholic and have Italian connections but our surnames (double barrelled) are French and very common English name. Think along the lines of Montague- Smith. DH loves the name Rafe which I'm not keen on (sounds like rape/rage) so I'm trying to compromise! Is Raphael too flouncy? Will there always be talk of 🐢? 😂 Would probably shorten it to RAF/ Rafa.

[ZenNudist]

Love it. Unusual flowery and poncey but still love it.

I met an adult Raphael the other day and (he was a management consultant) couldn't help but be impressed by his name.

Also good from a catholic perspective. What are you thinking of. For middle name? How about Raphael Luke?

[Stilldreamingofsun]

Oooh- love that! Sounds really nice! Thank you for suggestion 👍

[DarkLikeVader]

Love Raphael and with your background I think it works perfectly. I also love Tafe but would use the Ralph spelling (in trying to convince my DH on this for my DS currently!)

[Bagina]

Turtles are still around...

[Stilldreamingofsun]

You are right- the Ralph spelling is much better!

[GizmoFrisby]

I love the name also love the connection with your religion and family.

[NiceCuppaTeaAndASitDown]

Love it!

[UnicornPee]

I just think of the TMNT sorry.

[JosephineMaynard]

I like it.

But yes, I did get remarks about teenage mutant ninja turtles when I was talking about this name.

[Stilldreamingofsun]

Yes- turtles are still around but there are so many Leo's around and I don't think people automatically think of 🐢?

[Rojak]

I think Raphael works with the French part of the surname - have met a few French Raphael's

[FabFiveFreddie]

I think it's great!

There are vast swathes of the population who don't even know what the turtle thing is about (including me, I've figured it out). I wouldn't worry about it too much. It's not like calling him Batman 😄

[Stilldreamingofsun]

Haha! Exactly/ although there are quite a few Robins around now (quite like that too!!)

[Bagina]

I'm just saying that it's what children will think of; but they might think it's cool?

[Stilldreamingofsun]

It's true- hopefully he would have the confidence to pull it off! I teach in a private school so there are a lot more 'out there' names!!

[Stilldreamingofsun]

Thank you Bagina- I definitely want to hear all opinions which is why I started this thread!!

[Lunar1]

Love it, and it will be shortened to raph which is lovely.

[somekindofmother]

raphael is not flouncy! he's a turtle! he's badass! it's an awesome name. i know a raf and he's such a little dude! particularly easy to pull off if you also have a foreign surname or heritage.

[Sugarpiehoneyeye]

Fab name.

[SleepFreeZone]

Love it!

[firawla]

It's a great name, and I think it definitely works with your reasons. My kids would immediately think of turtles but that would be seen as a good thing. My youngest has a different name that also starts with Raf and he likes it being the same nickname as the turtle

[Stilldreamingofsun]

Rafferty by any chance Firawla?!

[insancerre]

I like it
There is a character called Raffaello in holby city which I prefer

[EllenDegenerate]

I love it.

If this baby is a boy he will be Raphael William Xavier.
Baby will be born on 30 November but My mums birthday is 24th October so we thought Raphael rather fitting.

Congratulations on your baby and on your fabulous taste. 😀

[Sophronia]

Raphael is lovely