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Baby names

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

Rafael, Rafa, Raff….thoughts!

30 replies

Bethwoodbank · 10/08/2022 08:35

Hi oh wise mums! I want some honest feedback on names. My second baby, a boy is due in a couple of months. I already have a daughter called Emilia, who we almost exclusively call Emmie and I want to make sure the two names fit together. Me and my husband rarely agree on any names but we are both pretty happy with Rafael, to be known as Raff or Rafa (similar to how we use Emmie). So Emilia and Rafael; Emmie and Raff…So my questions…we are completely white British, no Mediterranean influence (although Hebrew heritage on one side and strong non family links to Portugal where we visit twice a year)- is Rafael appropriate? This is my main worry-I really like the name and LOVE the nn (Rafferty is an absolute non starter for hubby btw) but wonder if it conjures up Spanish/Portuguese vibes. Also, what would I use for eg. his stocking, personalised rucksack, nursery register etc…Raff or Rafa or other? We use Emmie for those sorts of things…the longer name is really just so they have options in later life (and for when they’re naughty 😂😂) thoughts welcome please 😀 🙏

OP posts:
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DuchessOfSausage · 10/08/2022 09:07

@monsterastuckiosa , OP made it our business Smile but good point about the pronunciation. It tends to be said as Rafa-yell in the UK but Raf-a-el in Spanish

monsterastuckiosa · 10/08/2022 09:00

I do find it a bit strange when people use names that are so clearly of a different language and yet they have no connection to that country or culture. I think it's partly because the pronunciation rarely ends up accurate, and so it sounds a bit caricaturish.

That said, if you love it, you love it and it's nobody's business but yours!

HSKAT · 10/08/2022 08:43

I prefer the nn Raffy

SuperSange · 10/08/2022 08:42

I know a Rafferty who is known as Raffy.

DuchessOfSausage · 10/08/2022 08:40

Rafael is ok, but would suggest Spanish or similar heritage. Rafa and Raff are IMO dreadful.

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