Origin and Meaning of Rafael

Meaning & Origin

God has healed

Origin: Hebrew - Derived from the Hebrew name רָפָאֵל (Rafa'el), where 'Rafa' means 'to heal' and 'El' refers to God.

Interesting Facts

  • Rafael is an archangel in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, often associated with healing and protection.
  • The name is widely used in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries, often spelled as 'Rafael' or 'Rafa'.
  • Notable bearers of the name include the famous Italian painter Raphael, and Rafael Nadal, the Spanish professional tennis player.
  • Rafael has maintained consistent popularity in various cultures, being a common name for boys in the United States and Latin American countries.
  • Variations of the name include Raphael (French), Raffaele (Italian), and Rafel (Catalan).