Spelling of...

[Starfish83]

Raphael/Rafael.

We’re in the UK, but am drawn to the Spanish spelling (Rafael), but will he have a lifetime of needing to spell out his name fir people? We’ll probably call him Raf/Rafi for short.

Would be grateful for opinions! x

Also Rafaello in Italy and Rafael in Spain/S.America - are not uncommon names at all. As pps have said Raphael has caught on here too.

and Tatiana being her usual charming self.

It’s not me it’s you.

I think it's a beautiful name and would use the Raphael spelling, unless there's Spanish heritage.

Raffi or Rafa seem obvious shortenings (and yes, I would use the f for those). Raphe / Ralf is a different name entirely, I think.

Only you seems to have a problem with me - apart from on this thread where I am considered daft and a wally for expressing an opinion about a name - whereas I have seen you being rude to posters on several threads.

I have no issue with you at all Mike. You’re the one who follows me around wittering at me.

I certainly don't follow you around Tatiana. I think you are an unpleasant know-it-all.

I don’t give a stuff, so you need to get over it and stop following me around.

Don't flatter yourself.

Neither Raphael nor Rafael is ‘downmarket’ in any way They’re lovely.

Really not downmarket at all. It’s v popular here, mostly Rafael and all nn Rafi / Raf lovely name

@Starfish83 it is
Well we named one of our sons Asger so I obviously love that one otherwise at the top of my head there's Esben, Falke, Aslak, Henrik, Rune, Storm and Mikkel

@MamaDane, they are lovely names, thank you! We have Danish heritage so feel like that’s a great reason to spell it ‘Rafael’. ☺️

Lovely name. I think I prefer it spelt with a ph.

I like them both but slightly prefer Rafael.
I know three Raphael/Rafael age 15, 10 and 8. They are all from upper middle class backgrounds and are all delightful.