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Baby names

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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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Crojo · 13/10/2025 16:24

I like it. I remember first hearing it in the Pearl Harbour film years ago and liking it.

Calliopespa · 13/10/2025 16:24

There have been a few threads on this name.

It just throws up so many problems (Should it be Ralph say some; sounds like rape say others etc) and I'm not sure it's a nice enough name to bother grappling with them all.

PurpleChrayn · 13/10/2025 16:21

Too close to Rape.

Original poster
IHate · 13/10/2025 16:20

illsendansostotheworld · 13/10/2025 16:12

I quite like it! But l know a little Rafe who is v cute

I thought it was rather nice, but I’m not married to it. The strength of the reactions has been a bit surprising, though. 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
IHate · 13/10/2025 16:19

zazazaaar · 13/10/2025 16:01

I m dyslexic but isn't this said like Raff to rhyme with laugh (if you're northern)
How do you get the L sound otherwise?

It’s pronounced to rhyme with ‘safe’ or ‘chafe’. No L sound.

OP posts:
illsendansostotheworld · 13/10/2025 16:12

I quite like it! But l know a little Rafe who is v cute

zazazaaar · 13/10/2025 16:01

I m dyslexic but isn't this said like Raff to rhyme with laugh (if you're northern)
How do you get the L sound otherwise?

DemonsandMosquitoes · 13/10/2025 15:57

Hideous

Original poster
IHate · 13/10/2025 15:53

Well, that’s pretty unanimous so far. Thank you!

OP posts:
GiantYorkshirePud · 13/10/2025 15:23

I would be confused as to how to pronounce it, is it Raffy or Rayfe?

Awful name, please dont use it.

ZenNudist · 13/10/2025 15:21

Its not a good name even when spelt correctly

bitterexwife · 13/10/2025 15:21

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

allmycats · 13/10/2025 15:18

We had same question probably around a month ago. There is 1 correct spelling i.e Ralph.

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.