Rafe is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #588 in 2011 with 59 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 255 births ranking #201. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 353.8%. In 2011, approximately 1 in every 5,862 boys born was named Rafe. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Rafe is a lean, understated short form usually linked to Raphael, so it generally carries the meaning God has healed. It feels old-fashioned and sharp in a good way.
The name has existed as a shortened form for a long time, but its modern charm comes from sounding compact and slightly literary. It is a short name with more depth behind it than first appears.