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Baby names

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Original poster

Nicknames for Raphael

63 replies

bluemoony · 23/06/2023 08:08

Have fallen for Raphael recently.

I used to prefer Rafael but feel like it is too associated with Spain and Italy which we have no links to and gradually have come to love the PH version more.

I would appreciate peoples opinions and feedback on spellings of nicknames for Raphael out of the following options-

Raffy

Raphy

Raphie

Rapha?

Many thanks

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LT1982 · 27/06/2023 06:53

RampantIvy · 23/06/2023 16:28

Why? Loads of children have non British names. I have a Russisn name.

Show quote history

The association to rolf harris, which was my immediate thought

SkyBlue20 · 26/06/2023 23:50

I have two family members called Rafael, who go by Rafa/Raf/Rafi. I also like Rafe - it would have been a middle name for any DS I had, alas I only had girls!

Flibbertigibbettytoes · 25/06/2023 20:53

I had a friend and it always got shortened to Raff or Raffy and any time he met new people they went for the riff raff association and he hated it

boysmuminherts · 25/06/2023 20:50

I'd say Rafe or Raffy, I love them and also Raphael <3

SunnyEgg · 25/06/2023 20:49

Raph

ChiefWiggumsBoy · 25/06/2023 20:48

bluemoony · 25/06/2023 15:45

Thanks for all your responses! Very helpful.

One of the reasons I asked was to see if anyone would make the link between ‘Raphy / Raphie’ sounding like or looking like ‘Raphe’, a medical term that I would not want a child to be bullied for but I’m glad this association doesn’t seem to be too obvious

You're massively overthinking. Not a single person is going to think that.

Henddraig · 25/06/2023 17:09

I know a Rafi shirt for Raphael (but pronounced Ray-feel, not Raff eye ell).

PurpleAirGuitar · 25/06/2023 16:53

I like Rafi and would probably spell it that way even if the long version was Raphael. In some ways the spelling of a short form is unimportant/flexible, as it's not going to go on any official forms.

LocalHobo · 25/06/2023 15:48

Raf is quite a popular name in the Netherlands.

Original poster
bluemoony · 25/06/2023 15:45

Thanks for all your responses! Very helpful.

One of the reasons I asked was to see if anyone would make the link between ‘Raphy / Raphie’ sounding like or looking like ‘Raphe’, a medical term that I would not want a child to be bullied for but I’m glad this association doesn’t seem to be too obvious

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 24/06/2023 22:53

All the Raphaels I know (five of them) pronounce Raphael RAY-fyul, not Raph-a-yell.

All have the NN Rafe.

PaigeMatthews · 24/06/2023 22:16

The one i knew was rafe. As in ray-f

MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 24/06/2023 22:13

The Raphael I know uses Fally as a nn

Maryh78 · 24/06/2023 22:11

itsgettingweird · 24/06/2023 14:37

That should have said Ralph!!!!!

I really wouldn't suggest Ralp 🫣🤣🤦‍♀️

Whenever I see this name I can't help thinking of the Judy Blume book 'Forever'! May be a generational thing but whenever I hear the name I just think of that book and giggle to myself! 😳🙈🤣

Phil39 · 24/06/2023 21:06

My adult cousin is Raphael. He was known as Raphy when he was young and is now Raph.

TheFormidableMrsC · 24/06/2023 17:10

I know a Raphy. I think that's fine.

Highlandcows · 24/06/2023 16:58

Rafa 100%. I know of a little boy (toddler age) actually named Rafa on his birth certificate. Can’t say I like any of the other nicknames though.

UsingChangeofName · 24/06/2023 16:21

Ralph / Ralf ?

But seriously, nick names choose themselves, and are often nothing to do with the child's name.

Rolloisthebestpony · 24/06/2023 16:07

Rapha is a well-known brand of fairly expensive cycling gear and I’ve heard the phrase “Rapha w**nker” more than once to describe a certain type of cyclist, ie middle age men head to toe in lycra speeding around on fancy road bikes.

I do know a lot of cyclists though.

So that would put me off!!

topnoddy · 24/06/2023 15:56

Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtle innit ?

Or Ninja for short

itsgettingweird · 24/06/2023 14:37

That should have said Ralph!!!!!

I really wouldn't suggest Ralp 🫣🤣🤦‍♀️

itsgettingweird · 24/06/2023 14:34

Raff/Rafe pronounced the same

Ralp. Although different I like the name and would work!

Alps247 · 24/06/2023 14:33

I have a Raphael. He's Raph or Raphie or Rafa. Sometimes Raphiepoops. And when younger Raphou to his friends ( we're in France).

AlliWantIsARoomSomewheeeere · 24/06/2023 13:54

But generally when they get older, they or their peers will decide their nickname

AlliWantIsARoomSomewheeeere · 24/06/2023 13:53

Rafe for short.

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