Is this a bit pretentious?

[LJBanana]

Currently 39+ 4 and still have no names. We don't know what we are having, currently have 2 boys. We think we have a girls name but what do you think of the name Rafe-as in Fiennes or Spall?
Immediately I think it might be a bit pretentious, but the more I say it.......

[NigellasDealer]

it is OK really, not too pretentious no, classic innit

[Burren]

I like it. Are you planning to spell it Rafe? One potentially confusing factor is that some Ralphs pronounce their name Rafe eg Ralph Fiennes. (Though a colleague of mine met him years ago, and swears he introduced himself as Ralph (pronounced as spelled), not Rafe...)

[NigellasDealer]

yes Ralph is pron. Rafe by 'posh' people.
would spell it Rafe to avoid confusion.

[IHeartKingThistle]

It's gorgeous.

[Wishfulmakeupping]

I love it such a good name and very underused

[SirChenjin]

I like it - but please spell it Rafe, otherwise he will spend his entire life correctly spelling/pronunciation!

[LJBanana]

Oooh I didn't realise it's spelt in different ways. I just watched 'One Day' last night and saw Rafe Spall in the credits,as you do when you've no names at this point read all the credits!! I think I would spell it Rafe as we have a surname which constantly gets Mis pronounced, so 2 names being Mis pronounced might become a bit much.
The 'posh' factor makes me think it might be a bit pretentious as this has always been my first thought. And we certainly aren't posh!!

[Burren]

I don't think 'Rafe' has any posh connotations at all - certainly Rafe Spall isn't - it's 'Ralph-pronounced-Rafe' that does have UC associations, historically. Ralph Fiennes' full surname is Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes.

[NigellasDealer]

Ralph Fiennes' full surname is Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes no it is not, I used to know his brother, those are some distant cousins i think

[Mrswellyboot]

I love Ralph.

[SavoyCabbage]

You can spell it Raef too.

[NigellasDealer]

oops wrong sorry

[GreenSpaghetti]

Rafe was our boys name, love it

[FobblyWoof]

I like it and don't think it's pretentious at all.

Oddly enough it's Rafe Spall's birthday today (I was on IMDB before coming here!)

[squoosh]

Nice when short for Raphael/Rafael

[LJBanana]

I love Raphael, but that's for my next life when I'm married to a rich Italian.
I don't think I can get away with it, the mix of Lancashire/ Scousers sort of tinges the way it will be said some what. I am really liking Rafe however. I haven't had a name yet that I think I will be sad not to use if it's the opposite sex, and I think I feel like this about Rafe. Plus it must be fate that it's Rafe Spall's birthday-this obviously means I will go into labour immediately too!!

[squoosh]

As long as your baby doesn't look like Rafe Spall!

Sorry Mr Spall if you're reading.

[MichelloBarner]

I really like Rafe but I don't like Ralph at all, so if you have it make sure you spell it Rafe. I'm never quite sure whether Rafe is an alternative/posh pronunciation of Ralph, or a NN for it, like Jack is for John. But if in doubt just have Rafe.

[LJBanana]

Yeah hopefully he won't look like the birthday boy, especially in last nights film!
This is my fear that it's a posh Ralph. I would spell it Rafe though. I've just been to the park with my other son and pretended in my head I was calling both names and how they sounded etc.

[thegreylady]

I know a Raphael nn Raffa who is very gorgeous and not posh and a Ralph pronounced Ralf ditto. I think Rafe is lovely :)

[LJBanana]

It's going on the list!
Well there is no list so it's the one and only contender. Now I need a 2 syllable middle name to balance out one syllable first and last names. I'm going to by pass Stirling, I think you feel so strongly about it, it would be unfair for me to take it!!

[LJBanana]

It's going on the list!
Well there is no list so it's the one and only contender. Now I need a 2 syllable middle name to balance out one syllable first and last names. I'm going to by pass Stirling, I think you feel so strongly about it, it would be unfair for me to take it!!

[claudiebelle]

I have a 4 month old Rafe. It's a great name!

[Hulafox]

I love Rafe. Also love Rufus which is perhaps easier to spell/pronounce? Raphael (nn Rafi or Rafa) and Ralph also great, so there are some good choices.