Rafael Edward? Opinions please

[UncertainBoysName]

DS is due very soon. I want a name which is not too common, but not too unusual at the same time.
We have liked the name Rafael for a while, (initially whilst it was a hypothetical baby) but I do wonder if it is a bit too unusual, and don't feel 100% certain about it, although DP loves it.
Nicknames would be either Rafi (when very small) or Rafa (when older) which I do like both of.

Edward is a more mainstream middle name to give DS the option of being called a less unusual name when he's older if he wants.

I find it really hard to choose boys names, and find girls much easier. We never really had a short list at all, as he's always been Rafael.

DS also has a completely different nickname already courtesy of my DD, which will not be his real name (definitely not going on the birth certificate) but he may get referred to as, especially to start with.

So, what are your thoughts on Rafael Edward? Please reassure me or otherwise...

I love Raphael, prefer the traditional (rather than tennis player) spelling though.

Also love Edward so go with your favourite!

I like it, also love Rafe as a nickname for this!

I like it, but I think I'd go with the Raphael spelling if you don't have any Spanish connections.

Raphael Edward is lovely. You could still use Rafi/Rafa for nicknames.

I also prefer the Raphael spelling, which I really like. Raphael Edward would be great.

Rafael is the Spanish spelling. Raphael will be more familiar in UK. Rafe, Rafi or Rafa are great nn. Love Edward too (I have one of my own!).

Like it a lot.

I like it. Don't mind either spelling and all 3 suggested nns are great.

I really like the sound of it.

LOVE it! I have always loved the name Rafael.

And actually, I prefer the spelling Rafael. Raphael reminds me of the angel, whereas Rafael looks more...rakish and cool?

Rafe is a great NN, too.

Thanks all for your really positive responses.
There is a sort of spanish connection in that my DD is half spanish through my EXDH although 'imminent DS' does not have that direct connection as DP is english.
I also agree with Koala above about 'Raphael' being an angel.
Rafael would go well with DD's name.

In the end, I will have to decide if the name suits him when he is born. However if I think it doesn't, I may then be stuck...

Thanks again for your help.

I know a Raphael (Raphie) hes great I love he's name but I associate with a cool kid.

I love this name. Adore Rafe, Raffa, Rai etc. Its the kind of name I wish I dared to but probably wouldn't use as people already think we're a bit poncey and I'm keen to select a very classic neutral name that will be more shocking than if we went arty-farty (in the eyes of people we know i mean, I don't think Rafael is especially arty farty)

I love Raphael/Rafael.

Not sure about giving him the Spanish spelling as your ex was Spanish though!

i agree, if theirs no spanish connection (other than your ex!?!?) i would spell it raphael. i always think it looks pretentious to use the native spelling if it isn't a popular one already when there's no connection. i think of it the same way i would if someone calls their child cosmo.

Lovely name, posh ( I like posh )

I have a Raphael who is Rafe/Rafi/Rafa. He has two middle names. One v obscure, one is Philip!

Rafael is an angel name in Spanish, just as Raphael is an angel name in English. They are the same word.
Just changing from one nation's spelling to another doesn't change the meaning.

Like most other posters here, I like Raphael. It's a lovely name. FWIW, Michael and Gabriel are also angel names, and that doesn't seem to worry most people.

I like it and love the nickname Rafi.

Love it

It seems cumbersome for English first language speakers. If you are living in Europe then it is a fantastic name

I think both Rafael/Raphael are lovely and they go really well with Edward (which is also my DS' mn). However, I am one of those people who have dared to call my son Cosmo, so I guess I would say that, wouldn't I!

I don't mind it as a name but do find it very "in" and a tad pretentious a la Kit, Jude etc..each to their own though. I actually prefer the spelling, Rafael and think Rafi or Rafa are nice nns.

I think it's more in the public consciousness than it once was as a few celebrities have Raphaels, including Paula Radcliffe and Melissa George iirc but I don't think that makes it 'in'. It's pretty much as popular as it was a few years ago. A not common, not obscure, recognisable name.

Not sure why it would be pretentious though. It's just an angel name like Gabriel or Michael or Balthazar and is a nice, versatile, traditional name. But then my niece is called Jude so maybe we're a pretentious family (we're really not).

I've just realised there are lots of new messages so thought I would update you.

We went with Rafael Edward, nn Rafi. Everyone says they love his name, and several people said they considered it for their DC.

I also looked into the popularity of both variations and both Rafael and Raphael have very similar rankings.
I didn't know that lots of celebs had called their DC Rafael.

I am happy with our choice and our gorgeous baby!

Congratulations! Gorgeous name, glad you are happy with it. :)