Rafaela

“God has healed” — Associated with healing

Hebrew origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#3366US 2023

48Births / yr

↓Falling

3.3kAll-time births

📅 Since 188700.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Rafaela

RAF·AY·LAH

/ˈræf.ˈeɪ.ˈlɑ/ · stress on RAF · 3 syllables

“God has healed”

Associated with healing · Hebrew origin

What does Rafaela mean and where does it come from?

Rafaela (רָפָאֵלָה) is a feminine form of Rafael and predominantly used in Hebrew, Spanish, and Italian cultures. The name reflects a divine connection, meaning 'God has healed.' In religious texts, Rafael is one of the archangels associated with healing. Rafaela can often be found in Italian and Sp

Cultural significance

Rafaela has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god has healed.

Peak popularity

Reached #810 in 1903 — currently #3366 in the US.

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How else can you spell Rafaela?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Raffaela

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Rafaela?

Rafaela works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Rafaela Grace

How popular is Rafaela right now?

Declining — down 10 spots — currently #3366 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#3366 · Top 2.5%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3366	48	▼ down 10
2022	#3356	48	▲ up 427 · +20% births
2021	#3783	40	▼ down 527 · -15% births
2020	#3256	47	▲ up 653 · +24% births
2015	#3909	38	▲ up 395 · +12% births
2010	#4304	34	▼ down 33 · +6% births
2005	#4271	32	▲ up 1227 · +60% births
2000	#5498	20	▼ down 39 · +18% births
1995	#5459	17	▼ down 1333 · -29% births
1990	#4126	24	▼ down 256 · +14% births
1985	#3870	21	▼ down 650 · -19% births
1980	#3220	26	▼ down 44 · +18% births
1975	#3176	22	▲ up 289 · +22% births
1970	#3465	18	▼ down 908 · -22% births
1965	#2557	23	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Rafaela

Best Year1910Rank #1097

Peak Count48

Average Rank#2816

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Rafaela

Rafaela has been a beloved American name for over 137 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1887. With 3,268 total births recorded, Rafaela remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1509 in 1895, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3366 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Rafaela in 1903:

Mary Helen Anna Margaret Ruth

Rafaela by decade

Rafaela peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	12
1890s	38
1900s	107
1910s	233
1920s ★	437
1930s	286
1940s	256
1950s	280
1960s	201
1970s	225
1980s	233
1990s	221
2000s	276
2010s	416
2020s	47

💎With 3,268 total births, Rafaela is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Rafaela?

Common

RafRafieRafyEla

Famous people named Rafaela

Rafaela (historical community leader)

Rafaela led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Rafaela?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Rafaela also consider these

Rafela

Hebrew · God has healed

Raffaela

Italy · God has healed

Rafaella

Italian · God has healed

Raphaela

Hebrew · God has healed

Raquela

Hebrew · ewe, female sheep

Adaela

Hebrew · noble, adorned

Araela

Hebrew · אֲרֵיָּל - 'lion

Raela

Hebrew · ewe, lamb

How is Rafaela written in other languages?

Рафаела

Macedonian

Common questions about the name Rafaela

What does the name Rafaela mean?

Rafaela means "God has healed" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Rafaela?

Rafaela is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Rafaela?

Rafaela originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Rafaela?

Rafaela is a three-syllable name pronounced R AE1 F EY1 L AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Rafaela?

Rafaela pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.