I always thought of this as a nickname for Raphael/Rafael, I had no idea it was actually a variation of Ralph! Regardless, I’ve always really liked Rafe as a name, it feels slick, strong, and cool, and it feels really versatile; it works well as a stand alone name or a nickname, it works as a strong first name or cool middle name. I like it :)(Also, I don’t understand why people harp on ‘it sounds like rape’, like we all know how rhymes work—Beth sounds like death and Bill sounds like kill, it’s just not a big deal and not at all worth making people feel bad about their names, in my opinion. There’s nothing wrong with the name Rafe, I think it sounds nice.)
It makes me think of the word "Rape" too much. Ugh, horrible name.
― Anonymous User 4/9/2016
-11
Rafe is my favorite boy name! It's handsome, short and sweet and youthful yet mature for an adult. If I have a son, I want to name him this, specifically after my grandfather, who's name was Ralph. I like the name Rafe on it's own though.
― Anonymous User 4/5/2015
8
I don't think that Rafe is anything like Ralph. In fact, it's a much better and more handsome name than Ralph. It should be considered its own name. It's very modern and masculine.
I think Rafe is wonderful, unique name. I plan to name my first son this.
― Anonymous User 1/3/2009
6
Very sleek and handsome. I really hate it when Rafe gets relegated to "nickname only" status for the unrelated Raphael which is far too much name for me. Rafe is a full name and an old one.
― Anonymous User 11/23/2008
7
This was the name of a con man who helped Xena in the TV programme Xena The Warrior Princess, pronounced "RAY-f". I like it pronounced that way; I think it sounds cheeky and distinguished. :D
In Hebrew orthography the Rafe or Raphe, (Hebrew: øôä, meaning "soft"), is a diacritic ¯ : a short horizontal overbar placed above the consonant which indicates a softer form of a consonant.
― Anonymous User 3/19/2008
4
The only Rafe I've ever known used it at a short form of Rafael (pronounced RAYF-ay-el).
― Anonymous User 3/8/2008
3
On the soap opera Guiding Light, Gus and Natalia's son is named Rafe.
― Anonymous User 10/13/2007
3
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(Also, I don’t understand why people harp on ‘it sounds like rape’, like we all know how rhymes work—Beth sounds like death and Bill sounds like kill, it’s just not a big deal and not at all worth making people feel bad about their names, in my opinion. There’s nothing wrong with the name Rafe, I think it sounds nice.)