Rafael
God has healed
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Religion
- Catholic
- Gender
- Boy
- Country
- Brazil
- Pronunciation
- rah-fah-EL
- Popularity
- stable
Common nicknames
RafaRafi
About the name Rafael
Rafael is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God has healed". It is most commonly used in Catholic families and is especially popular in Brazil.
Rafael is one of the three archangels named in scripture and tradition, and the one associated with healing — he guides and cures in the Book of Tobit. The name is a top choice in Brazil, Portugal and Spain, and Rafa is close to universal as a short form. The painter Raphael and the tennis player Rafael Nadal have kept it visible internationally.
Variants and spellings: Raphael, Raffaele, Rafail.
Popularity trend: Rafael has held a steady level of use rather than spiking or fading.
Reviewed by the Babbloom Editorial Team. Read our editorial methodology.
Frequently asked about Rafael
- What does the name Rafael mean?
- Rafael means "God has healed". It's a boy name of Hebrew origin, most commonly used in Catholic families and popular in Brazil.
- Where does the name Rafael come from?
- Rafael originates from Hebrew. On Babbloom it's classified in the Catholic naming tradition.
- Is Rafael a boy or girl name?
- Rafael is a boy name.