boy name
Rafael
Gender
Boy
Popularity
#218 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Rafael in the US, 1880–2025
Rafael first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 2006, when 1,702 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,639.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Rafael popular?
Steady Rafael has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2006.
| 2020s | 9,208 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 12,794 | |
| 2000s | 15,037 | |
| 1990s | 14,370 | |
| 1980s | 12,274 | |
| 1970s | 9,592 | |
| 1960s | 6,285 | |
| 1950s | 3,954 | |
| 1940s | 1,833 | |
| 1930s | 1,402 | |
| 1920s | 1,701 | |
| 1910s | 608 | |
| 1900s | 172 | |
| 1890s | 84 | |
| 1880s | 65 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Rafael a boy or a girl name?
Rafael is most commonly used as a boy name.
Is Rafael a popular name right now?
Rafael has held fairly steady over the past decade, after peaking in 2006.
How popular is the name Rafael?
In 2025, Rafael ranked #218 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Rafael most popular?
Rafael was most popular in 2006, when about 1,702 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.