Bad reaction to Raphael

[Name15]

I chose Raphael, told my family and their reaction was NO

1. My cousin has teenage sons with the nicknames Rad and Ral. I don't see this as an issue because they're teens and their full names are nothing like Raphael, but my wider family think I'll be stepping on cousin's toes

1. It's one of the ninja turtles. This didn't factor into my decision at all, but even so would a child even mind sharing a name with a crime fighting turtle?

What do you think of these issues? Actual issues or should I just ignore them?

I really like Raphael.

1horatio made the mistake of trusting autocorrect on that one

Sorry, I didn't mean to be bitchy.

It's a fabulous name. Only ever taught one and he was fab too!

Its an awesome, strong, individual name with some great NN potentials too. Our kids don't even know who the ninja turtles are!

Rafe is a cool nn.

But unless you're Italian it's a bit weird.

Or I know a Rafaella but she's Brazilian.

On a British child it's a bit weird.

I like it. I know a few raf/raffis. It's also one of my favourite saints.

It's my favourite name! Our family heritage is Spanish so I wanted Rafael but DH vetoed it

My son is called Rafael, so very biased I love it, makes me think of tennis and the ninja turtles

Yes we had lots of comments from family, especially my FIL and SIL, but I ignored them. I didn't comment on my SIL s names for her children which are lovely but so popular at the moment there are loads of children with same name in school. I love that Rafael is the only child with his name in his primary school.

I was always against nick names but actually I really like Raf.

One of our dc's is named Raphael.
It's not for everyone, people visibly blanch when they ask his name I couldn't care less
We call him Raph usually, but do use his full name on occasion.

If you like it, go for it. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks!

But unless you're Italian it's a bit weird

Raphael (with minor spelling variations) occurs in many European countries.

Raphael (with minor spelling variations) occurs in many European countries.

But not this one.

So ok then unless you're from a country where it is a standard name it is strange.

FreeNiki

It is growing in popularity here, and I think that trend is going to continue over the next few years, so I don't think it's going to be a particularly unusual or even "strange" name for this next generation.

FreeNiki

If you are referring to the UK, Raphael as a forename certainly does occur here, and has done for a very long time. Look in the GRO birth indexes and you will find lots of Raphaels right back to 1837 when the registration system began. The name can be found in parish registers long before that.

I think it's a wonderful name and their reasons are stupid, ignore them!

FreeNiki it's Hebrew origin and is used in loads of European countries (I checked the Wiki ). I will concede that it's not common in Ireland though

I think it's a great name and you should use it if you love it.

Love it. We didn't share our favourite names. When asked, everything we said was slated.

DM clearly didn't like the name we chose, but had to be less rude than she wanted to be, as it was already her grandsons name. (A beautiful name, not so unlike Rafael, and a MN favourite, and got loads of compliments from normal people!)

It's a lovely name and I just can't see how you are stepping on Rad and Ral's toes' by calling him that. There are a lot of Louis around at the moment. Raphael is cool and not over-used. I say, go for it.

I know an Irish Raphael (grown up now). Go for it.

Raphael is a great name and was on my shortlist for DS1. Makes me think of the archangel and Rafa Nadal.