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Original poster

Thoughts on Rafe?

64 replies

IHate · 13/10/2025 15:13

Just that, really. I know that the properly ‘U’ spelling is ‘Ralph’, but we’re not that posh and I don’t want him having to explain it for the rest of his life!

So, Rafe (for a boy). Please let me know what you think.

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Zanatdy · 17/10/2025 05:36

A colleague has a Rafe, I quite like it.

cordelia16 · 15/10/2025 18:39

dancingqueen345 · 13/10/2025 19:13

Sorry what?! Ralph isn’t pronounced Ralf??

in the US it is. but I think in the UK it's pronounced Rafe.

SpringingOn · 14/10/2025 20:49

I like it - especially as a shortening of Rafael.

Calliopespa · 14/10/2025 11:09

Bothe · 13/10/2025 19:45

I don't like the name, regardless of how it's spelt.

However, if I met a child called Rafe then I wouldn't bat an eyelid and neither would most people, so if you like it then go for it.

This probably sums it up op.

It seems mildly problematic in the sense that some people think it should be Ralph, some people think it sounds or looks like rape etc, and so for all those reasons I wouldn't personally use it.

But ultimately it isn't so weird it is going to raise eyebrows. It's not actually weird, just not some people's cup of tea.

IkeaMeatballGravy · 14/10/2025 10:06

I know a Rafe, he is a sweet lad but his DM frequently has to repeat herself when she tells people his name. She had to with me at first because I thought she said Rape.

I cant find a clip but there was a sketch in Little Britain with the overbearing stage mum and her boy Ralph ("It's RAFE!")

WildCherryBlossom · 14/10/2025 09:48

How about Raphael or Rafael as an alternative?

TMMC1 · 14/10/2025 09:18

“Rafe (for a boy)”

you are already having to clarify. Absolutely NO from me

poshcrisps · 14/10/2025 09:16

I know a Rafe (as in laugh) and it's short for Rafael. His mum is Spanish. I like it in this case.

Ralph is a totally different name.

HugoYorway · 14/10/2025 09:13

Rafe (name) - Wikipedia

LancashireButterPie · 14/10/2025 09:09

CaptainMyCaptain · 14/10/2025 08:43

This. I'm not posh either but I like correct spelling.

Show quote history

I don't get this at all.
Rafe is a perfectly normal, very old English name. There are 2 in my family tree in the 1600s.
Why is that considered incorrect?

CaptainMyCaptain · 14/10/2025 08:48

bitterexwife · 13/10/2025 15:21

Sounds too much like ‘rape’ to me. I vetoed it for that reason.

It's a good job you don't live near me - there are fields of the stuff.

CaptainMyCaptain · 14/10/2025 08:43

Middlechild3 · 13/10/2025 15:16

No, if he spells it Rafe, he'll be mocked as a chav like a Chardonnay. If spelt correctly he will spend his life correcting people as to pronunciation.

This. I'm not posh either but I like correct spelling.

HugoYorway · 14/10/2025 08:42

Rayf, Raif and Raiph are hideous.

muggart · 14/10/2025 08:40

i like it

Martharian · 13/10/2025 23:02

I’m currently watching Rafe Spall in something and I think it’s a lovely name!

ODFOx · 13/10/2025 23:02

That name! Remorse! Remorse!
Ill get my coat.

though I do quite like it. If you can’t bear Ralph I’d go Raif or Raiph as it’s closer and still phonetically simple.

Kirstiegemma · 13/10/2025 22:57

Great name, we have a Raife.
he sometimes gets called Ralph or Raff

Always get a lot of compliments on it and never associated it with the word rape. Did have to correct someone who thought it was Rave once though.

We heard it from pearl harbour too! Love it.

greenmarsupial · 13/10/2025 21:10

I like it, it’s one of DS’ middle names and would have happily had it as a first name if not for a single syllable surname. It’s not a dumbed-down spelling of a ‘posh’ name, it’s a Norse name and a perfectly acceptable spelling over hundreds of years!

Mischance · 13/10/2025 21:04

I am going to be honest here. I have never liked this name because it sounds too like rape.

Calliopespa · 13/10/2025 20:59

Or Raif

Calliopespa · 13/10/2025 20:58

How about Rayf?

HugoYorway · 13/10/2025 20:32

Raphaël is a French name, @Mix56 . Rafe is a different spelling of Ralph.

Mix56 · 13/10/2025 20:20

Surely its short for Raphaël ?

NotEnoughKnittingTime · 13/10/2025 20:17

It is an old English name. I don't see it as that bad.

HugoYorway · 13/10/2025 20:15

FlutteryButterfly · 13/10/2025 19:33

Ralph Fiennes is a good example of this!

Show quote history

Ray Fines

I mentioned him and the person I was talking with couldn't believe it wasn't Ralf Fee-ens

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