Thoughts on Rafe?

[IHate]

Just that, really. I know that the properly ‘U’ spelling is ‘Ralph’, but we’re not that posh and I don’t want him having to explain it for the rest of his life!

So, Rafe (for a boy). Please let me know what you think.

No, if he spells it Rafe, he'll be mocked as a chav like a Chardonnay. If spelt correctly he will spend his life correcting people as to pronunciation.

We had same question probably around a month ago. There is 1 correct spelling i.e Ralph.

Sounds too much like ‘rape’ to me. I vetoed it for that reason.

Its not a good name even when spelt correctly

I would be confused as to how to pronounce it, is it Raffy or Rayfe?

Awful name, please dont use it.

Well, that’s pretty unanimous so far. Thank you!

Hideous

I m dyslexic but isn't this said like Raff to rhyme with laugh (if you're northern)
How do you get the L sound otherwise?

I quite like it! But l know a little Rafe who is v cute

It’s pronounced to rhyme with ‘safe’ or ‘chafe’. No L sound.

I thought it was rather nice, but I’m not married to it. The strength of the reactions has been a bit surprising, though. 🤣

Too close to Rape.

There have been a few threads on this name.

It just throws up so many problems (Should it be Ralph say some; sounds like rape say others etc) and I'm not sure it's a nice enough name to bother grappling with them all.

I like it. I remember first hearing it in the Pearl Harbour film years ago and liking it.

It does to me too and a bit pretentious .
Ralph is fine though.

I know a Raef.

I quite like it! But I think I’d not be able to forget the ‘rape’ thing now I’ve read it here…

I like it 😊

If the majority of the people you know will pronounce Ralph as Rafe, it's perfect. If they don't and you therefore have to spell it Rafe, no.

If I’m completely honest (and yes, I KNOW I’m a dreadful snob, nobody needs to tell me), whenever I come across Ralph spelled Rafe, I do think it’s rather dreadful. I am similarly stuck up when it comes to Ralph being pronounced as Ralf. OP, obviously you are aware of the correct spelling and pronunciation. Unpleasant snobs like me are disappointingly few and far between these days, so I think if you like the name with that spelling, you should go for it. I think the name has a lovely sound. But you might occasionally meet someone like me, who will be slightly sneering on the inside. But does that really matter?

Sorry what?! Ralph isn’t pronounced Ralf??

Love it. Was on our list. Cool, short. Unusual without being made up. Sounds good for a teenager and adult, plumber or doctor!

I love it, it’s Ben afflecks name in pearl harbour. Rafe is a great name 😍

Isn’t it Raef?

Agree in my handwriting it looks like rape.