Raphel

“God has healed” — Associated with one of the archangels in Judaism and Christianity

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13700US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

163All-time births

📅 Since 192100

How to pronounce Raphel

RAF·ul

/ˈræf.əl/ · stress on RAF · 2 syllables

“God has healed”

Associated with one of the archangels in Judaism and Christianity · Hebrew origin

What does Raphel mean and where does it come from?

Raphel is a variant of the Hebrew name רְפָאֵל (R'fael), and is often anglicized as Raphael. It has biblical origins and is associated with one of the archangels in Judaism and Christianity. The name has been used throughout history, especially during the Renaissance, when the artist Raphael was kno

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #3464 in 1969 — currently #13700 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Raphel?

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

Raphel Grace

How popular is Raphel right now?

Falling — down 2016 spots — currently #13700 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#13700 · Top 10%

1970

1980

1985

1990

2005

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#13700	5	▼ down 2016
2005	#11684	5	▼ down 5111 · -29% births
1990	#6573	7	▼ down 1235
1985	#5338	7	▼ down 226
1980	#5112	7	▼ down 74 · +40% births
1970	#5038	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Raphel

Best Year1970Rank #5038

Peak Count7

Average Rank#7908

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 20236 years

The story of Raphel

Raphel entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 163 total births recorded, Raphel remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5038 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13700 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Raphel in 1969:

Michael David James John Robert

Raphel by decade

Raphel peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1920s	18
1940s	5
1960s	8
1970s	32
1980s ★	65
1990s	24
2000s	11

💎Raphel has only 163 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Raphel?

Common

RapRaAphel

Famous people named Raphel

Raphel (historical community leader)

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

Raphel (historical figure)

Raphel bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Raphel?

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

Italy · God has healed

Rapheal

Hebrew · God has healed.

Makhel

Hebrew · a mercy, being

Ranel

Hebrew · God has answered;

Rafiel

Hebrew · God has healed

Raquel

Hebrew · Ewe

Common questions about the name Raphel

What does the name Raphel mean?

Raphel 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 Raphel?

Raphel is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Raphel?

Raphel 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 Raphel?

Raphel is a two-syllable name pronounced R AE1 F AH0 L. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Raphel a common or rare name?

Raphel is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.