Rafael
Peaked at #195 nationally in 1985, based on real US Social Security Administration birth records.
Girls vs. boys, all-time
Since 1880, Rafael has been recorded <1% of the time for girls and >99% of the time for boys.
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Rafael — Girls (United States)
FallingPeak rank
#3456
in 1977
Last ranked
#14865
in 2009
Years tracked
54
1923–2009
Trend
Falling
Tracked since 1923, Rafael reached its peak popularity for girls in 1977, ranking #3456 nationally with 22 babies given the name that year.
Rafael hasn't appeared among the national top ranks for girls since 2009, when it stood at #14865.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | #14,865 | 7 |
| 2008 | #17,001 | 6 |
| 2006 | #13,323 | 8 |
| 2005 | #18,514 | 5 |
| 2004 | #13,850 | 7 |
| 2003 | #12,130 | 8 |
| 2002 | #10,882 | 9 |
| 2001 | #14,891 | 6 |
Rafael — Boys (United States)
RisingPeak rank
#195
in 1985
Current rank
#222
in 2024
Years tracked
144
1880–2024
Trend
Rising
Tracked since 1880, Rafael reached its peak popularity for boys in 1985, ranking #195 nationally with 1,250 babies given the name that year.
Over the last 10 years of data, its rank has climbed from #293 (2014) to #222 (2024) — a 24% improvement.
As of 2024, Rafael ranks #222 nationally for boys, with 1,614 babies given the name that year.
Recent years
| Year | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | #222 | 1,614 |
| 2023 | #231 | 1,515 |
| 2022 | #232 | 1,516 |
| 2021 | #237 | 1,489 |
| 2020 | #247 | 1,423 |
| 2019 | #261 | 1,391 |
| 2018 | #258 | 1,404 |
| 2017 | #283 | 1,282 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, National Data, 1880–2024.
Similar trajectory
Other names that peaked around the same era and rose or fell on a comparable curve.
Based on US data — boys' names only.
Common Questions
When was Rafael most popular?
Rafael was most popular in 1985, when it ranked #195 nationally for boys — the highest rank it has reached in this data.
Is Rafael becoming more or less popular?
For girls, it's currently falling; for boys, it's currently rising, based on the last decade of SSA data.
How many babies have been named Rafael?
At least 88,294 babies have been recorded with the name Rafael in the US since 1880, according to Social Security Administration birth records.
Looking for more name ideas like Rafael? Try the Baby Name Generator or compare it against other names on the Name Trends hub.