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Original poster

Rafe

37 replies

2017parenttobe · 19/02/2017 07:55

Hi

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

Thanks!

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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