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Baby names

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

Original poster

Rufus or Raphael/Rafael

41 replies

hokeycakey · 15/06/2013 08:50

Have recently found out we are expecting a ds. We're torn between these 2 but if anyone else has any suggestions I would love to hear them! Also I think I prefer the Rafael spelling but not sure if they would end up forever spelling out their name? I am a Susanna and have always had my name misspelt which can get annoying!

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Madamecastafiore · 15/06/2013 08:53

Raphael is normal and I don't think people will have an issue with spelling it.

Rufus is on our list and both DH and I really like it but seems everyone we ask days it's a dogs name!

LondonBus · 15/06/2013 08:56

Rufus.

Original poster
hokeycakey · 15/06/2013 08:57

I was wondering if people would spell it ph rather than f as that is more used iykwim?

Yes love rufus too and I'm told that my other kids sound like dogs/cats too! Oh well..... Was just wondering if rufus is really getting popular at the moment as hearing it around a bit more

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Madamecastafiore · 15/06/2013 08:58

My DS is Max so doggy names are fine in this household.

I'd spell it ph not f.

Yika · 15/06/2013 09:00

There are many names with spelling variations, I wouldn't worry about using the f version.

I think both names are lovely.

Chubfuddler · 15/06/2013 09:02

Both lovely but I would spell rafael

5madthings · 15/06/2013 09:04

Rufus was on our list, and we very nearly used it but opted for Rudi in the end.

I also liked Raphael but dp didnt... Also the turtles seem popular again and the toys are in all the shops, which wouldnt bother me but might some people.

Both fab names :)

Oh and my ds2 has a dog/cat name as well apparently..

RubyOnRails · 15/06/2013 09:06

I've got a rafael....we call him Rafa. It's a great name....we went for the f to avoid him being called Ralph! Forever linked with jury Blume lol

Pimpf · 15/06/2013 09:20

I personally think of the life of Brian whenever I hear rufus (woofus!) so prefer Raphael, but it's your son so your choice!

Elquota · 15/06/2013 11:09

Rufus, definitely!

changechangechange · 15/06/2013 11:15

Raphael. Or Rafael.

Original poster
hokeycakey · 15/06/2013 12:06

Ooh it's pretty d

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Original poster
hokeycakey · 15/06/2013 12:07

Split! Sorry hit post by accident

5madthings Rudi is actually on my (longer) short list too!

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ladymia · 15/06/2013 16:53

Raphael

OrangeJuiceSandwich · 15/06/2013 19:32

Rafael definetly. I love love love the nn Rafa.

littlepeas · 15/06/2013 22:53

Love Raphael! It is my ds's middle name and often wish i'd been brave enough to go for it as first name (although I do love his name). We spelt it with the ph as that is the usual spelling in the UK, although I actually preferred the f too.

UpTheFRIGGinDuff · 16/06/2013 08:50

Rufus is on my list,I love it.
I also like Rafe...Rudi is awesome but we may have named the cat this,idiots

DaveMccave · 16/06/2013 13:13

Why about Rafferty with nickname Raffi? I love it but DP doesn't. (Though he likes Raphael!) We've chosen Rufus coincidently. I cringe everytime I see a thread in here though as it is becoming increasingly popular.

Layl77 · 16/06/2013 13:25

Rafael. Rufus seems doggy/ jokey to me. I like Rudi too.

Original poster
hokeycakey · 16/06/2013 13:25

I really like rafferty but I used to have these christian books about Haffertee the hamster when I was little and it reminds me of those!
I wonder how popular Rufus will become, stats for 2011 were 200 children named Rufus so not very popular but I feel as though I am hearing it a lot now and not sure if its on the way to becoming a Felix or Milo type popular unusual name!

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UpTheFRIGGinDuff · 16/06/2013 16:31

I don't think it'll get hugely popular....might be a mumsnet bubble name.

Still cursing using Rudi on the cat...

Original poster
hokeycakey · 16/06/2013 20:02

I know what you mean! I think its definitely a mumsnet name..... cant you rename the cat? Rudi is very cool!

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UpTheFRIGGinDuff · 17/06/2013 13:17

Nah,everyone would laugh Grin
I'd never live it down!

DaveMccave · 17/06/2013 17:03

Yeah that was the decider for me. If it does get popular I still think it will be a Felix/Milo popular, not an Ethan/Oscar. And I really like the former despite it becoming more widely used. In fact as popular as Felix seems, there were still only 511 born in 2010, compared to 8427 Oliver's. A few years of that many Oliver's is a LOT. But a few years of Felix's at that number isn't so much... When are you due? I think they release the 2012 names next month!

Can I ask as we have similar taste, what girls names you had before finding out it was a boy?

DaveMccave · 17/06/2013 17:09

I've just looked up stats for Rudi and am really surprised at how infrequent it is. I know of several (most online) and no Rufus's so thought it was more popular. We're big Ska fans so it might be one for consideration...