Raphael?

[QuackQuackQuackQuack]

Do you like it?

Would it just become Ralph to everyone? I'm not a fan of Ralph

Shortened to Rafe or Raf. Very nice name.

I like it - keep thinking of the tennis player Nadal

Not necessarily Ralph but maybe Rafe? (love Rafe)

as a teenager it may also be Raffer (v.cool)

I love Rafe as well.

Do you think you have to be Italien or have Italien origin?

I think Rafi would be more likely than Ralph.

I put it in the same category as Reuben or Gabriel (not that it is biblical!) but I do quite like it. Not sure I would use it though.

Like Rafi as well

Like Rafi as well

Dp would have loved us to call ds Raffa, (big lfc fan)

I wanted Rafe, as it was my great -grandads name.

I think its lovely, and you can shorten it to anything you like.

Unusual without being weird/chavvy/too posh/whatever

DH and I both really like it, I am concerned about not being Italien though.

Or Spanish?

Do you think that will be an issue?

Hmm, not sure if it would be an issue TBH.

Love it BTW

I think of it as more of a religious name than Italian/Spanish. I don't think it will be an issue. I think it is more popular now than it used to be so will become more mainstream the way that Reuben, Aaron and Noah used to be thought of as Jewish names but are now popular with lots of non Jews too.

Thats good to hear ladyjuliafish

I know two Rafaëls in Belgium, both belgian, in their thirties.

Looks like there is no reason why we shouldnt pick it then

I know a Rafael (mum is swedish)and 3 is called either by his full name or Raf

Its unusual thats for sure. I wouldnt be brave enough to use it but it is a lovely name

I like it. It would suit my own son.

What is your son called Margot?

I think think it's a winner all round.
And honestly, I think national/ ethnic/ religious boundaries are so blurred these days that nationality scarcely matters when choosing a name. I remember DH expressing concern when I voiced a liking for Noah, saying "but we're not Jewish"

I was like, hmm, yes I can see how that might be a problem .. considering that my name is Sarah and yours is David....

Rafa is a nice shortening. I like it, and I think Rafa Nadal has saved it from being 'pretentious' which it might have been otherwise.

Shorten it to Raffy or Raffles

I made the mistake ofposting about this name on another forum and a few ladies said it would always remind them of the ninja turtles, do you think that would be the case for a lot of people?

I know a Raphael, sister is Vita. Italian roots, I thought it adventurous when I first heard it, but now think it's lovely and unusual.

Nah, people might think ninja turtles at first but it's a fairly obscure reference and unlikely to have a revival I'd think!

So what if people briefly remember a tv show? It's not the name of a toilet cleaner. And anyway IMO people only see these associations when the baby is a theoretical person - once it's a child the name is just his/her name and a much stronger new association with the name develops quickly.