Rafe
Rafe: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ÉšeÉĒf/
Meaning and origin of Rafe
- A male given name from the Germanic languages.
- A diminutive of the male given name Raphael.
Etymology
Medieval spelling variant of Ralph.
How popular is Rafe?
Since 1880, 2,935 boys in the U.S. have been named Rafe. Its highest rank for boys was #887 in 1880. In 2025, 179 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Rafe
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Germanic boy names
Sibling name ideas for Rafe
Sister and brother names that share Rafe's Germanic roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Rafe FAQ
What does the name Rafe mean?
A male given name from the Germanic languages. A diminutive of the male given name Raphael. Medieval spelling variant of Ralph.
What is the origin of the name Rafe?
Rafe is listed as a name of Germanic origin.
How popular is the name Rafe?
Since 1880, 2,935 boys in the U.S. have been named Rafe. Its highest rank for boys was #887 in 1880. In 2025, 179 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Rafe a boy or girl name?
Rafe is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 2,935 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880â2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.