I like both
Rafael and
Rafaela.
I think I like the Italian spelling more -
Raffaella - or the
German -
Raffaela.
I think it has the same sort of charismatic angelly vibe as
Raphael, but frillier of course, and spelled
Rafaela it's Spanish / Hispanic looking. I also get a playful vibe from it ... by that I mean, outgoing and fun-loving, but in a frilly and charismatic way, not in a tacky loud way. Very European ... which should fit in well with US trends?
I think it's not more common because it just isn't well-known or represented in our culture. I can't think of any famous Rafaelas. And also maybe for the same reason I think
Rafael /
Raphael itself isn't popular: it's not that easy to say for English speakers. People have trouble with
Rafael - they might say Ra-file, or Ra-fail, or something similar, and that ae just not very natural in English. It has the same problem as
Michaela, but without the
Mckayla solution.
Rafaela becomes either Ra-fayella or Ra-fie-yella or even Ra-fella ... I think it's harder to get comfy with, than something like
Daniela or
Gabriela.
- mirfak