Rafael is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #809 in 1997 with 19 recorded births. This places Rafael in the top 22% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 2021 with 289 births ranking #188. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 90.0%. In 1997, approximately 1 in every 16,550 boys born was named Rafael. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Rafael is a graceful international form of Raphael meaning God has healed. It feels warm, elegant, and deeply rooted in religious tradition.
The name has long-standing use across Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking cultures and also carries biblical and angelic associations. Its breadth gives it both heritage and ease.