Rafael is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #291 in 2016 with 1,238 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2006 with 1,702 births ranking #217. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 11.5%. In 2016, approximately 1 in every 1,532 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.