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Baby names

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

Original poster

One more vibe check: Raphael

35 replies

SharpGoldWriter · 09/01/2026 20:33

Really appreciate all the input!

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Original poster
SharpGoldWriter · 15/01/2026 01:10

RoamingToaster · 12/01/2026 20:41

It’s my fav name. Sadly couldn’t use it. I lived in a Spanish city where he was the saint of the city so there were lots, mostly shortened to Rafa.

Guessing they spelled it Rafael?

OP posts:
Original poster
SharpGoldWriter · 15/01/2026 01:10

frostydaytoday · 14/01/2026 22:51

Love it if spelt Rafael

Interesting! Are you Spanish/Portuguese?

OP posts:
CeciliaC · 14/01/2026 23:26

I like it, cool with a bit of edge

frostydaytoday · 14/01/2026 22:51

Love it if spelt Rafael

AgentPidge · 14/01/2026 22:31

I love it! Fabulous name.

NormaSars · 13/01/2026 15:12

The English name doesn't have a dieresis.

KnickerlessParsons · 12/01/2026 23:39

Love it, but you should use the dieresis: Raphaël

Kyffin · 12/01/2026 23:32

I know of a few - a Raphael & a Rafael aged 16. A Raffy (female) aged 16 and a Rafe aged 18. All through DC's school.
Apart from that, never known another anywhere else.

Pettenell · 12/01/2026 23:25

I like it. Cool vibes.

RoamingToaster · 12/01/2026 20:41

It’s my fav name. Sadly couldn’t use it. I lived in a Spanish city where he was the saint of the city so there were lots, mostly shortened to Rafa.

LavenderBlue19 · 09/01/2026 22:37

Love it. There was a Rafa at my DC's nursery and I always thought it was a cool name.

Giraffehaver · 09/01/2026 22:36

Love it

HostaCentral · 09/01/2026 22:26

To pps, you can use it for girls too, we have a Rafaella in the family.

I would spell it without the "ph" though.

AnotherVice · 09/01/2026 22:21

I absolutely love it. I couldn’t use it for mine as it’s the name of my limerent object when I was 15!

SomedayIllBeSaturdayNight · 09/01/2026 22:18

'Raphael is cool but rude, Michaelangelo is a party dude' - sing it with me!

puppyparent · 09/01/2026 22:15

Yes great name. I know a couple of young raphies and they’re ace.

champagnetrial · 09/01/2026 22:11

Yes. It's good. Vibe check passed.

MonkeyPuddle · 09/01/2026 22:10

Absolutely not

Mmmkaay · 09/01/2026 22:05

Love it, it's cool, arty, has professional gravitas. Also looks beautiful written down. Wish I'd used it (although I did use Gabriel which I think is similar.)

Norastroud · 09/01/2026 22:02

Love it! Really like Rafa, or Raff - Raffy is cute for a younger child / affectionate nickname

TwoSaturdays · 09/01/2026 21:39

It has gravitas. ❤️

Primaris · 09/01/2026 21:38

Love it

patooties · 09/01/2026 21:37

My nephew. We call him Rafa

WhatJustHappenedCelia · 09/01/2026 21:37

I really like it. Taught a Raphael a few years ago and he went by Rapha which I really liked

Blingismything · 09/01/2026 21:36

This was on my list too but had a girl. Love it, fabulous name.