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Baby names

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Original poster

Rafferty

73 replies

17caterpillars1mouse · 31/01/2023 15:15

What are your thoughts on Rafferty for a boy? It's not my usual style of name but it's growing on me and I think Raffy is a cute shortening. I've seen it's moving up the name charts so must be getting more mainstream and less 'outthere'.

Does anybody know a Rafferty?

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howdoesatoastermaketoast · 31/01/2023 15:22

have you considered the phrase "riff faff"? or are you confident you're posh enough he'll be able to carry it off? I think it's a bit like giving a boy the name 'valentine' totally fine in some circles but could be a liability in certain situations.

But yeah actually I really like it, a hint of Bridgerton, a hint of Irish rake...

MajorCarolDanvers · 31/01/2023 15:23

Not keen on surnames as first names.

Slobbet · 31/01/2023 15:25

Like it

LulooLemon · 31/01/2023 15:28

No

skippy67 · 31/01/2023 15:30

Riff raff came to mind for me too.

toastofthetown · 31/01/2023 15:38

I know a young Rafferty who goes by Raffy. Rafferty is one of those names which is fine; I see the appeal, but can’t say I love it. I think Raffy is sweet but I prefer Raphael as a full name.

IsThePopeCatholic · 31/01/2023 15:43

Yes, I know a rafferty, nn raffy. He’s very sweet. About 7. I assumed it was a family surname used as a first name, but not sure.

Pinkdafodils · 31/01/2023 15:43

Riff Raff..! Raff sounds comical.

Rafferty is ok but widely used as a surname

Yesthatismychildsigh · 31/01/2023 16:03

Riff Raff. It’s very naff.

Happygone · 31/01/2023 16:27

Sounds like Raffle y to me.

Roselilly36 · 31/01/2023 16:43

Love it, nn Raffi

MissHavershamReturns · 31/01/2023 16:44

Know one nn Raf

MissHavershamReturns · 31/01/2023 16:44

He’s 9

Snoopystick · 31/01/2023 16:45

Raphael is much nicer

YellowAndGreenToBeSeen · 31/01/2023 16:48

Love it. Also love Rafe as a similar alternative.

midsomermurderess · 31/01/2023 16:49

I know a Glaswegian of working-class Irish stock who things it’s funny his surname, which very much marked him out as a ‘left footer’ when growing up in a then very sectarian city, is now popular as a first name. How times change. I do quite like it though.

LaLuz7 · 31/01/2023 16:50

No great. Not great at all...

bathbombaholic · 31/01/2023 16:50

I love it! Could also be shortened to "Raffa"

Abhannmor · 31/01/2023 17:04

Some psychologist should do a project on the popularity of Irish surnames as given names. It's quite a positive thing I suppose. I like the sound it makes...maybe as a second name. He could promote it to first if he liked?

Sgtmajormummy · 31/01/2023 17:13

As soon as I read it I got an instant flash of the opening saxophone notes of “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty. Great song, but do you want it sung to you on a regular basis?

Pinkdafodils · 31/01/2023 17:16

Could also be shortened to "Raffa"

That's awful..!

SplishSplashIWasTakingABath · 31/01/2023 17:17

I love it. I know of one, who’s six.

Dinodelight · 31/01/2023 17:18

There’s a Rafferty in my daughters baby group, I think it’s cute. They shorten it to Raff, only downside being new members often mistake it for Ralph which I don’t think is as cute, one woman continues to call him this 6 months in despite being corrected a few times.

Binfire · 31/01/2023 17:19

I love it and I usually dislike the surnames for first names thing.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 31/01/2023 17:20

I know a Rafferty and it really suits him, he's 13yo now and the first time I've heard it linked to riff raff is on this thread!!

He goes by Raff mostly now.