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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Is this a bit pretentious?

55 replies

LJBanana · 10/03/2014 09:25

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.......

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ginzillas · 10/03/2014 21:05

Rafe Spall ia gorgeous! Great name.

devoncreamtea · 10/03/2014 20:12

My Son is a Rafe. He is 3 now and so so suits it - it's charming and boyish, but strong sounding too. i fell in love with it - no idea where I got it from - but when I checked it out it means 'Wolf' or 'counsel of wolves' and is a Scandinavian name.

Go for it! I'm glad I did.

ThursdayLast · 10/03/2014 19:38

I live rafe spall!

HolidayCriminal · 10/03/2014 19:35

Ralph = vomit in American slang, definitely spell it Rafe.

Hulafox · 10/03/2014 19:34

Ps what is your girls name?! (Looking for my own inspiration...)

Hulafox · 10/03/2014 19:33

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.

claudiebelle · 10/03/2014 19:29

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

Original poster
LJBanana · 10/03/2014 13:17

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!!

OP posts:
Original poster
LJBanana · 10/03/2014 13:11

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!!

OP posts:
thegreylady · 10/03/2014 13:04

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

babysaville · 10/03/2014 12:35

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Original poster
LJBanana · 10/03/2014 12:35

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.

OP posts:
MichelloBarner · 10/03/2014 12:30

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.

squoosh · 10/03/2014 12:27

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

Sorry Mr Spall if you're reading.

Original poster
LJBanana · 10/03/2014 12:25

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!!

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squoosh · 10/03/2014 11:29

Nice when short for Raphael/Rafael

FobblyWoof · 10/03/2014 11:12

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!)

GreenSpaghetti · 10/03/2014 10:55

Rafe was our boys name, love it

NigellasDealer · 10/03/2014 10:47

oops wrong sorry

SavoyCabbage · 10/03/2014 10:44

You can spell it Raef too.

Mrswellyboot · 10/03/2014 10:36

I love Ralph.

NigellasDealer · 10/03/2014 10:32

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

Burren · 10/03/2014 09:56

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.

Original poster
LJBanana · 10/03/2014 09:45

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!!

OP posts:
SirChenjin · 10/03/2014 09:44

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

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