What do you think of this name for baby due imminently?

The perineal raphe is a visible line or ridge of tissue on the human body that extends from the <a class="break-all" href="http://go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anus" target="_blank">anuss* through the <a class="break-all" href="http://go.mumsnet.com/?xs=1&id=470X1554755&url=en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perineum" target="_blank">perineumm*. It is found in both males and females, and arises from the fusion of the urogenital folds.

How is that Raphe pronounced?

We had Lincoln, Clarke and Quentin on our list of boys names but settled with something completely different. We're not very fond of traditional names.

Anthony —Stewart—

Obviously

I love Rafe.. if you like it, use it. He’ll rarely be called Rafe Head out loud.

As for people thinking it reminds them of rape or part of the anus, good grief. I think those people will be a significant minority. There’s a beaut of a little boy called Rafe in our toddler group & everyone loves his name. His mum gets compliments all the time about it! I do think he’s Rafael though full name..

Rafael is one of my fav names but I am with you on it sounding a bit too Spanish! That said, if we have a boy this time I’m considering Felix which reminds most people of cat food.. in fact, my cat eats Felix! But hey ho, I don’t care. It’s a solid name & I love it!

Joseph Michael James Head (Joe)

Stephen/Steven Michael James Head

What is DS called?

Rafe makes me think of raphe and therefore perineal raphe.

The perineal raphe is a visible line or ridge of tissue on the human body that extends from the anus through the perineum. It is found in both males and females, and arises from the fusion of the urogenital folds.

I have only seen Rafe as a phonetic representation of one pronunciation of Ralph. The two children I know with that name pronounce it Ralf. I have never heard of Raif...
Raphael is lovely . He could be Rafe, Raff or Rapha.

I don't think Rafe Head is that bad, but both being one syllable names is not ideal, and does draw attention to the surname. I don't see a problem with Raphael - it's a name generally used in many countries.
Not Ben/Benjamin. The trouble with many nice 3 syllable names is that they will mostly be shortened to one syllable nicknames,
I think Raphael or Rufus would be really good.

LOL at Ben Head!

Isaac Head also really doesn’t work where I live. Along the same lines as Isaac Hunt...

Ben Head isn't great. I don't think Rafe Head works, (as a matter of interest it auto-corrected to Rage).

Ooh yes Benjamin Head is good

Really? Ben Head?!

I agree that a 2 syllable name works best

Quentin Head
Reuben Head
Marcus Head

But definitely not William or Richard or he'll end up as Dick Head

Yes, Rafe Head does sound like an attachment you’d fit to a steam cleaner.

Raphael Head is fine.

Aaron Head
George Head
Alex(ander) Head
Charles/Charlie Head
Ethan Head
Elijah Head

The difficulty with 3 syllable names is that it will almost certainly be shortened to a one syllable nickname. I know Clarke and George are one syllable but they have a longer sound. I especially like Elijah Head.

*I think you need a long first name to work with the short surname

Montgomery Head
Christopher Head
Frederick Head*

But he'll end up as Fred Head

Ooh yes Benjamin Head is good. Sound like an actor.

I agree with Sue that a much longer first name will sound infinitely better with 'Head'

Lawrence Head
Montgomery Head
Charles Head
Christopher Head

Great with a three syllable name.

Head isn't great but there are much worse names to have! I knew someone who was "Blackbottom"...can you imagine!

I also like Benjamin Head, Liam Head and Joseph Head.

Wow, OP, I really hope you don’t take to heart some of the stuff on this thread about your surname. It’s really not a big deal.

It’s true that some names seem to work better with it (as some names work better with all surnames) - my preferences so far are Leon and Rufus, I think.

But please try not to worry too much - remember that it’s absolutely fine to wait a few days or even weeks before naming him definitively.

It's a grim surname OP.

Can you make a new new name from yours and his combined?
So if your surname was Barker you could be the Barhead family?

I'd hate to be Mrs Head, Mrs Balls, Mrs Pratt, etc

Ranulph Head is a horrible name imo but it does work. Raphael doesnt go with Head.

What about rafferty?

Sorry that was meant to say "and could easily look"*

Case in point, you've had a suggestion for Frederick and William. 🤦‍♀️ Fred Head and Dick Head?

Please, please, please don't change your decision because of this thread. You and your partner have thought of it more than anyone and names are a matter of taste. Lots of perfectly normal names suggested but that doesn't mean you like them enough to choose them for your own child. I'm firmly in Team Rafe! 😂

My youngest son was called Raif for the first month. I wanted it spelt like Ralph (as in the actor Ralph Fiennes) but ex said no to that. I wouldn't have spelt it like Rafe. I back what a PP said, it sounds like something it shouldn't have could easily look like something it shouldn't if spelt like Rafe. (People's handwriting types aren't always great)

I eventually backed out and changed it completely before registration.