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Baby names

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

Original poster

Yay or nay to this name?

79 replies

Gigi97 · 02/11/2022 22:03

Really like the name Raphael for a boy.
Honest thoughts and opinions please.
We live in the UK & hubby has latin roots.

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Longdarkcloud · 03/11/2022 18:19

Yea!!!

mangowithasqueezeoflime · 03/11/2022 18:13

We have a new baby on Spanish side with that name. He's Rafa.

StarryKnight · 03/11/2022 12:40

My nephew is called Rafael - known to his friends as raffles

FluffMagnet · 03/11/2022 12:12

Marvellous name.

RuthW · 03/11/2022 12:11

Not for me

SemperIdem · 03/11/2022 10:53

I like it but it feels clunky to say, to me. Probably because the “eye-el” part is an unfamiliar sound.

It’s a well liked name, nothing wrong with it at all.

rainbowstardrops · 03/11/2022 10:49

I like it. I've worked with children for 30 years and only ever came across one Raphael and he was lovely.

FunnysInLaJardin · 03/11/2022 10:31

I have a 12 year old Raphael nn Rafe and have only ever had positive comments about his name.

Obvs I think its a fab name!

ErrolTheDragon · 03/11/2022 10:28

The name makes me think of Renaissance art - and also of the reaction to it in later English art. What's not to like?

ShowOfHands · 03/11/2022 10:00

underneaththeash · 02/11/2022 23:35

I like it too. However, I have an enormous 6’5” son who is really stocky and would sound ridiculous if called Raphael.
depends what you and your husband look like..

Why @underneaththeash ?

My Raphael is tall and sporty, becoming pretty muscular as he grows. His name suits him.

And yes young ones today definitely know the ninja turtles. It's the first thing all his mates reference when talking about his name. The secondary students I teach all know/like TMNT.

miniaturepixieonacid · 03/11/2022 09:52

I really like it. However, I know three and none of then ever, ever use it. 2 use Rafi and 1 Raphy (said the same). They hate their full name. Don't know why.

mondaytosunday · 03/11/2022 09:36

Yes I like it! I'd think the kid was Italian or Spanish heritage if I just saw the name.

17caterpillars1mouse · 03/11/2022 09:31

It's a gorgeous name. I had real doubts when we were thinking of boys names though as it just didn't feel very us as a family. We felt the same about Gabriel which we also really liked

Fivebeanchilli · 03/11/2022 09:29

I love it! I know a few and they are all lovely.

emmathedilemma · 03/11/2022 09:26

nay (but i grew up in the era of teenage mutant hero turtles!)

TrashyPanda · 03/11/2022 08:43

Lovely Italian name
100 times nicer than Ralph.

Waspo · 03/11/2022 08:39

I love it. Although it does make me think Ninja Turtles

VenusClapTrap · 03/11/2022 08:36

Love it.

Jamimas · 03/11/2022 07:41

Ralph works better in English.

Raphael is very Spanish sounding

IHeartGeneHunt · 03/11/2022 07:27

I love it, it was my top choice if I had a boy.

KirstenBlest · 03/11/2022 07:20

Not keen. It's a bit too long and i don't like Raff/Raph.

AlwaysLatte · 03/11/2022 01:19

I love it.

CombatBarbie · 03/11/2022 01:19

I still immediately associate ninja turtles but my mate goes by Raff which I love as a nickname

Pemba · 03/11/2022 01:04

Yes I like it. Similar vibe to Gabriel (are they both angels?). Much better than Rafferty imo.

Shouldawouldacoulda30 · 02/11/2022 23:46

I absolutely love it .We have a Dr on call in our county who visits regularly to see emergency patients over weekends .
He is absolutely lovely and I adore his name . He is respectful,,caring , brilliant bedside manner and has a lovely personality . If I ever had another child ,Raphael would be my choice if male .

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