Raphael

[17caterpillars1mouse]

What are your thoughts on the name Raphael, possibly shortened to Raphie / Raffie. Would it work on a child with no Italian heritage?

@ImperioMarch @Kanaloa exactly!!!!

DS is named after the ninja turtle. His big sister picked the name.

However, Leonardo is clearly the best ninja turtle.

No way! Raphael was moody and bossy. Michelangelo was the coolest!

I love love love the name Raphael! It's probably my favourite all-time name for a male. However, personally, I feel I can't use it as we're both Scottish with a Scottish surname. That's not saying others can't. I just feel it wouldn't work and especially now since his brother would have a traditional Scottish name and so would stand out even more.

The short form Raff isn't nice unfortunately.
I think it is fine. I have met 3 young Raf's (one F), in the Netherlands this year.

@DancingUnderTheLights

I am shocked and appalled. People insisting Michelangelo and Leonardo are the coolest TMNT. I should send my DS8 round to set you right ASAP.

I am at least comforted to see nobody is trying to suggest Donatello was in any way cool.

I love it! Shame we can't use it as our surname starts with F and any names with a 'f/ph' sound, sound odd.

I love it!
Not a huge fan of the nicknames though.

I really like it, it was on my list.

Yes it would, and it’s lovely. I’m not a big fan of nicknames, but quite like Rafa.

I love it, it was a strong contender for our second but vetoed for turtle based reasons. If you're worried about it being too Italian sounding, Rafferty is another option.

Love it!

Heros in a half shell...turtle power.

Nice name, but I couldn't get past the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Pretentious and try hard.

‘Pretentious and try hard’. Oh dear.

I don't think it sounds italian. Rafaello would.
It doesn't strike me as pretentious and try hard, just long and yet another biblical name I've heard called out loudly in a downmarket shop.

I think people who say a name sounds pretentious or try hard are just projecting their own insecurity. It's OK not to want to call your son Gavin or Steve, even if you are - shock, horror - working class!

Some people say my son's name is stuck up and posh. It is literally a top 50 name now, and top 10 in the country where we live. As is Raphael, actually.

It's nice. Also pretty popular around here - South London. In our school there are several Raphael, Raff, Rafe, Rafferty etc.

I saw it on a baby recently and thought it was lovely! I've also really liked Rafe since watching Pearl Harbour years ago

Currently my fave boy name. It's not pretentious or try hard. Never get why people come on a Naming site and dismiss names as try hard. We can't all call our kids Oliver

Its the name of one of the Arch Angles- so up there with Michael. I love the diminutive Rafi or Rafe too.

I have heard it pronounced in different ways though- like Raff-ile Raff-ale and Raff-i-ell. Not really sure how you hear it?

Arches don't have angles, they're curves

😜

Lovely name!