Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Rafael

Rafael is a spelling variation of the Hebrew name Raphael from Rafa’el meaning ‘God has healed’. In the Bible, Raphael was one of the seven archangels and specifically the angel of, you guessed it, healing. The angel Raphael figures in prominently in the Book of Tobit, from the Apocrypha (the “hidden” treasures of the Bible which are included in only some editions). God sends Raphael to ‘heal’ a couple of people who are praying for death due to their misfortunes. For more information on Raphael from the Bible, see literary characters below. Another famous bearer was the 16th-century Italian Renaissance painter Raphael Sanzio (usually known simply as Raphael). Depending on the language the name can be spelled either Raphael or Rafael. Rafael is primarily the Spanish and Portuguese spelling. Rafael is currently ranked #51 in Spain (2009) and #37 in Mexico (2010).

All About the Baby Name – Rafael

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME RAFAEL

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME RAFAEL

The usage of the name Rafael in America has been influenced by the growing Hispanic and Latino populations. Rafael has consistently been on the boy’s naming charts since 1880, the first year the U.S. government began keeping track of baby names. At the turn of the 20th century, Rafael saw low usage rates, but as the decades progressed, the name became gradually more popular. The height of Rafael’s popularity was in the 1980s and 90s. As we’ve entered into the 21st century, Rafael has seen a slight decline in usage but he still enjoys moderate popularity. The archangel Michael is the chief leader of the angels and stands next to God, Gabriel is the archangel who serves as a messenger from God, and long neglected Raphael is the healing archangel. Which name do you like best for your little angel?

Quick Facts

ON RAFAEL

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

288

PRONUNCIATION:

rah-fiy-EHL

SIMPLE MEANING:

God has healed

Characteristics

OF RAFAEL

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Rafael

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME RAFAEL

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME RAFAEL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Rafael


Popular Songs

ON RAFAEL

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Rafael


Famous People

NAMED RAFAEL

Rafael Nadal (tennis player)
Rafael Palmeiro (baseball player)
Rafael Marquez (soccer player)
Rafael Arevalo (composer)
Rafael Correa (president of Ecuador)
Rafael Guizar Valencia (Mexican saint)

Children of Famous People

NAMED RAFAEL

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Rafael

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME RAFAEL

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Rafael