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Baby names

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

Original poster

Theo or Raphael?

107 replies

MrsMummyBx · 27/12/2019 04:45

Help!!! Need a name for our DS2 who is already here!! DS1 is Hugo. DH and I like Theo and also Raphael but can’t agree which one. I like both and don’t have a particular preference - thoughts on both below.

I like Theo but worried it’s well used in his age group, though I personally only know one Theo who doesn’t even live in the UK. We live in the south east. Also worried it might not be strong enough / with enough gravitas. I don’t particularly like Theodore so would only name him Theo. However I do think it goes nicely with Hugo.

I like Raphael but not sure if it’s too ‘arty’ for more serious things when he’s older- also the name with a ‘ph’ spelling seems to be a Jewish name (we aren’t Jewish), but at the same time it’s also the English spelling of the name - so not sure I care about inference of another religion. The spelling ‘Rafael’ is a Spanish etc spelling but I want an English spelt name as hubby is Italian so the child will already have an Italian surname and want an English first name to reflect both sides of his heritage.

Also like Jasper but yet to convince DH.

Preferences on the above two names please - also suggestions on any others are welcome!! We need to decide ASAP!!

Thank you xx

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PlantPotting · 27/12/2019 07:03

I prefer Theo

Raphael doesn’t sound like an English name to me and sounds very OTT. How about just Ralph of Rafe? Or Rafferty with nickname Raffy.

Hugo is a lovely name- how about Rupert?

If you can’t persuade DH for Jasper how about Casper?

shoebedobedobedobedoo · 27/12/2019 06:47

I’ve met loads of small Raphaels, but very few Theos ....if that helps

Poorolddaddypig · 27/12/2019 06:40

Love NN Rafe and Raffy

Poorolddaddypig · 27/12/2019 06:39

Raphael for sure

xJodiex · 27/12/2019 06:38

Theo is a name used in The Chipmunks cartoon, Raphael is used in Teenage Mutant Hero Turtles. Just saying. If I had to choose one though, I'd go with Theo.

Expo · 27/12/2019 05:18

My non existent third child (if a boy obvs) would have been called Rafael. I love the shortened Rafa. Sounds raffish. Honestly I would not worry about gravitas etc.

puds11 · 27/12/2019 05:08

I like Raphael. Theo is very popular. Plus Raph or Raphy is a cute abbreviation. I don’t think the origins of the name should influence the choice particularly. All names came from somewhere.