A 1900s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Rafaela since 1887
Babies named Rafaela per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2011, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Rafaela's real moment was 1903.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 |
| 1890s | 38 |
| 1900s | 107 |
| 1910s | 233 |
| 1920s | 437 |
| 1930s | 286 |
| 1940s | 256 |
| 1950s | 279 |
| 1960s | 201 |
| 1970s | 225 |
| 1980s | 234 |
| 1990s | 222 |
| 2000s | 276 |
| 2010s | 416 |
| 2020s | 294 |
Meaning & origin
Rafaela is a name that has been in use since at least 1887, when it first appeared in U.S. records. Its popularity peaked in 1903, then declined before experiencing a revival starting in 1996. Today, it remains relatively uncommon, ranking #2895 in 2025 with about 1 in 27,712 girls receiving the name. The name is most frequently found in Florida, New York, and Texas, reflecting its appeal among communities with Italian and Portuguese heritage. While never a top-tier choice, Rafaela has maintained steady usage over the decades, and its gentle uptick since the mid-1990s suggests a modest but enduring charm.
Rafaela is the feminine form of Rafael, derived from the Hebrew name Raphael, meaning 'God has healed.' In Christian and Jewish tradition, Raphael is one of the archangels. The name spread through Southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Portugal, where it became common in the 19th century.
Where Rafaela is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Rafaela” around the world
Where Rafaela lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rafa, Ela, Rafi, Fela
Sibling names for Rafaela
Names that share Rafaela's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Gabriela, Isabella, Sofia, Valentina, Lara, Fabiana, Abelina, Ludivina, Graciana, Quintana
Brothers: Rafael, Lucas, Matteo, Leonardo, Enzo, Cornelio, Michaelangelo, Natanael, Serafin, Dionisio, Nataniel, Arcangel, Atanacio, Baldomero, Estanislao, Filiberto, Rodriques, Arcenio, Rivaldo, Sostenes
