Rafe is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #213 in 2021 with 248 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 255 births ranking #201. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 1,807.7%. In 2021, approximately 1 in every 1,189 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.