Rafael is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #14865 in 2009 with 7 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 1998 with 12 births ranking #7908. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 30.0%. In 2009, approximately 1 in every 262,410 girls born was named Rafael. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
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.