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Baby names

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

Original poster

Hugo or Raphael?

39 replies

Eloise34 · 06/02/2025 11:20

That really - which would you choose? How important is ‘matching’ their sibling's name to you?

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RuthW · 06/02/2025 19:46

Hugo - nicer name

KayEmAy · 06/02/2025 16:27

Raphael - timeless and handsome

MrsSkylerWhite · 06/02/2025 14:58

I think it very much depends on your surname. Raphael Smith or Brown might sound a bit odd.

HugoYorway · 06/02/2025 14:57

Hugo. I don't like Raphael and Raff/Raffy is awful.
Rafael is OK if you are Spanish.

Moreteaandchocolate · 06/02/2025 14:54

I prefer Hugo. I do like Raffy / Rafe for short but think Raphael would sound a bit pretentious where I live - unless there were links to family heritage.

HarryVanderspeigle · 06/02/2025 14:01

Raphael. Love it

SereneCapybara · 06/02/2025 12:46

I love Raphael. I would have chosen it if Dh hadn't vetoed it as too out there. And I love Rafe as ann.

Not keen on Hugo. It reminds me of red-trousered Tory youth, probably unfairly.

user1492757084 · 06/02/2025 12:45

Both are handsome.

GiraffesAtThePark · 06/02/2025 12:28

Raphael! It’s my fav name of all time. I wish I could have used it.

user2848502016 · 06/02/2025 12:03

Hugo

bluebunnys · 06/02/2025 11:54

Raphael

I don't like Hugo, especially the English pronunciation Heeeooogo Grin

username462025 · 06/02/2025 11:28

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

FluffMagnet · 06/02/2025 11:25

I love both (one is DS's name and the other was sadly vetoed by DH). I think as long as the siblings names are not polar opposite (i.e. Darren), then why do they need to "match"? They will go on to live independent lives and really, once they are named, everyone gets used to the set. My sister has a name very clearly from France, whereas mine is generic British. Never noticed it growing up.

lonelyplanetmum · 06/02/2025 11:25

Raphael

I don't think matching isn't important at all. They are individuals and only in the same household for 18 years or so.

In adult life partners names often do not match and that doesn't matter, so why would matching matter in their first few years?

That said, I find it sexist when people give their son a classic name but are more adventurous with their daughter's name.