Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Rafe

37 replies

2017parenttobe · 19/02/2017 07:55

Hi

Just wondering how this name is pronounced, is it 'rayf'?

Thanks!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
reuset · 21/02/2017 15:51

I really like it, and I agree that the rape association is ridiculous.

I agree. It's a fine name

Somerville · 21/02/2017 13:31

Rafe is top of our list if we're having a boy.

I hope it's not about to get massively popular like DS1 name did just after I chose it...

WaitroseCoffeeCostaCup · 21/02/2017 13:27

We almost had Raef but my Sister said it sounded like rape Sad

GreedyDuck · 21/02/2017 13:24

I really like it, and I agree that the rape association is ridiculous.

reuset · 20/02/2017 00:42

It's a 17th century variant of Ralph/Rolf

Rafe was used in 15th century. In fact 13th, at a push!

reuset · 20/02/2017 00:39

Raife - bad spelling, OP! Drop the 'e' at least. Rafe was traditionallly the most common spelling in England... more of 'em than Ralph, at one time if I recall correctly. I haven't looked up the current status.

hoddtastic · 19/02/2017 23:52

i really don't like this name, or Ralph. I do like Raphael though.

Myu5ername · 19/02/2017 23:32

I love it. The rape association is ridiculous to me.

Ohyesiam · 19/02/2017 21:51

Yes, all the ones I know have been pronounced as in your op, and I really love it.

Mrsknackered · 19/02/2017 16:15

Sorry I thought rape. I did when a family friend called their baby it.
I think spelling it Raif decreases that a little bit.
I can't stand Ralph pronounced Rafe though, I think Ralph as in Ralf is a pretty wicked name.

SovietKitsch · 19/02/2017 16:11

I think Rafe's a great name, totally love it. It's a 17th century variant of Ralph/Rolf. I've known a couple (know a baby Rafe) right now) and it really suits them. Go for it!

MiniMaxi · 19/02/2017 14:39

Oh, duh, it is an alternative spelling, sorry.

Ranulph as another option - keeping with the Fiennes theme Wink

MiniMaxi · 19/02/2017 14:38

PS if you love it, go for it! I've never seen it spelled Raife though...? Smile

Original poster
2017parenttobe · 19/02/2017 11:24

I think I'm going to go with Raife, I love it. It does put me off that some people think rape but oh well, people always have an opinion on different names! :)

OP posts:
Sukitakeitoff · 19/02/2017 10:30

I like it. I would say "Rayf" but it wouldn't remind me of "rape" at all.

Footle · 19/02/2017 10:28

I've known a couple of them, and also several pronounced Ralph. I don't like the Rafe version because it does sound like rape.

PotOfYoghurt · 19/02/2017 09:46

Rape was my first thought too. But Ralph (Fiennes) never makes me think of that.

MiniMaxi · 19/02/2017 09:40

Some people spell it Ralph - eg Ralph Fiennes - but this can always be pronounced the other way too

Rafe Spall is an actor who spells it with the F

I really like it, on its own or as a nickname

Would never make me think of Rape

miserablemolly · 19/02/2017 09:39

I immediately hear 'rape'. I don't think a variation on spelling will make any difference if it sounds like the word rape. 'Raffi' is cool.

MiniMaxi · 19/02/2017 09:38

Yep pronounced Rayf

WheresTheEvidence · 19/02/2017 09:37

I look after a Rafe (Ray-F) and his friend Rafe is pronounced the same :)

Original poster
2017parenttobe · 19/02/2017 09:36

I'm afraid people will think rape. That's why I'm considering an alternative spelling. I'm not keen on the Ralph spelling because I know that everyone where I live will say 'ralf'

OP posts:
SuperBeagle · 19/02/2017 09:35

Looks like a typo of rape to me, and the pronunciation "rayf" does nothing to detract from that.

ShowOfHands · 19/02/2017 09:29

My ds is Raphael and is called Rafe/Rafa/Buggerlugs frequently.

PotteringAlong · 19/02/2017 09:28

It's spelt Ralph, pronounced Rafe, normally