What do you think of Rafe?

[AnnieDelores]

What do you think of Rafe as a boy's name? It's listed on Mumsnet's Baby Name Finder.

reminds me of a Mills and Boon hero...

thats not necessarily a bad thing thou!

I discovered it reading an article by the BBC's John Simpson as he called his son Rafe. Also the actor Timothy Spall has a Rafe.... both men I admire.

Isn't it spelled Ralph (as in Fiennes)?

People who spell it "Ralph" and want it pronounced "Rafe" are, imvho, wankers. "Rafe" spelled "Rafe" and pronounced "Rafe" is fine.

Very nice. Distiguished but cheeky as well.

Pretensious

Rafe is actually the 16th / 17th century original version of Ralph which was introduced in the 18th Century. That's why Ralph Feinnes pronouces his name "Rafe". Amazing what you find on google!

That's interesting, Annie. :) Still think Fiennes is a twat, though.

Good actor though... although not fanciable IMO. Too clean and skinny!

The other name DP likes is Teddy (Edward). How about that?

Frightfully posh.

(Rafe)

I like Rafe, it's different but not daft.
I know one who is 5, and he is a nice boy!

lovely name - my friend has a Rafe, short for Rafael,and he's a gorgeous 7 year old now. No pisstaking by other kids yet either

Edward gives lots of options; I think "Ted" somehow sounds very reliable.[weirdo emoticon, aimed at self]

Love Rafe. Was considering it for my DS 3 but I already have a Wilf. Could you have a Wilf and a Rafe or are they too similar? (my other son is Edward, so obviously adore that and Teddy is a cute nn for a baby)

Good choices JojoMags! I don't think Wilf and Rafe are too similar. Go for it. Wilfred could also be Freddie which is cute too ... and "up to date" with Freddie Flintoff.

What girls names do you like out of interest?

Much much much prefer Ralph pronounced Ralph.

I suggested Rafe but DH said it was verging on being quite pretensious..! I don't agree at all. But if you like the name than I think you should go for it.

Also love Wilf...

LOVE Edward but please call him Ed and not Teddy...!

I don't get the posh / pretentious link?? To me Rafe sounds simple, masculine, crisp and just different enough to stand out. But I don't know anyone called Rafe so have no experience.

Ohhh I like how you worded that Annie...simple, masculine and crisp..!

Rafe as Rafe is fine, it's the pronouncing "Ralph" as Rafe which grates on my ears.

I love it.
It's far nicer than Ralph,pronounced as Ralf,imho,which I associate with vomiting,or the dim one from The Simpsons.

Arf!

My first boyfriend was a twin - he was called Reuben and his twin was Rafe. I always liked both names and gave DD the same name as their sister. There was a little one as well - Samuel, IIRC.

Chuckling at The Simpsons link!

What was the sister called stealthsquiggle?