Rafael
Rafael is a boys' name of Portuguese origin meaning “God has healed.” It ranked #218 in the United States in 2025. The Portuguese form of Raphael, honoring the archangel of healing.
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how do you pronounce Rafael?
hah-fah-EL
where does the name Rafael come from?
The Portuguese and Spanish form of the Hebrew Raphael, God has healed, or God heals.
Rafael has been consistently popular across the Portuguese-speaking world. It combines angelic associations with artistic heritage (the Renaissance painter) and modern athletic fame. The name radiates warmth and divine care.
how popular is this name?
Rafael has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 145 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 1. It peaked at #195 in 1985, and ranked #218 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #218 |
| 2024 | #222 |
| 2023 | #231 |
| 2022 | #232 |
| 2021 | #237 |
| 2020 | #246 |
| 2019 | #261 |
| 2018 | #258 |
| 2017 | #283 |
| 2016 | #291 |
| 2010 | #257 |
| 2000 | #230 |
| 1990 | #201 |
| 1985 | #195 |
| 1980 | #208 |
| 1970 | #245 |
| 1960 | #334 |
| 1950 | #389 |
| 1940 | #541 |
| 1930 | #392 |
| 1920 | #549 |
| 1910 | #524 |
| 1900 | #743 |
| 1890 | #667 |
| 1880 | #745 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Rafael fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Rafael?
- Rafael Nadal (Spanish tennis champion)
- Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro (Portuguese artist and caricaturist)
what are the nicknames and variants of Rafael?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Rafael?
what names go well with Rafael?
Sibling names that share Rafael's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Rafael
What does the name Rafael mean?
Rafael means “God has healed”.
What is the origin of the name Rafael?
Rafael comes from the Portuguese naming tradition. Related forms include Raphael.
How popular is the name Rafael?
Rafael ranked #218 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1985, at #195, and it has spent 145 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Rafael a boy or girl name?
Rafael is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Rafael?
Rafael is pronounced hah-fah-EL, with 3 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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