Rising since 1996, #1,165 for boys today.
Popularity of Rafe since 1880
Babies named Rafe per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 11 |
| 1890s | 6 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 38 |
| 1920s | 40 |
| 1930s | 30 |
| 1940s | 18 |
| 1950s | 36 |
| 1960s | 174 |
| 1970s | 122 |
| 1980s | 160 |
| 1990s | 154 |
| 2000s | 625 |
| 2010s | 783 |
| 2020s | 738 |
Meaning & origin
Rafe is a name with Old Norse roots, ultimately a variant of Ralph, meaning 'wolf counsel.' It was first recorded in the U.S. in 1880 and has seen a resurgence in popularity, reaching its peak rank of 1,165 in 2025. The name is currently on a rising trajectory, especially since 1996, and is most common in states like Utah, Louisiana, and Missouri. Its short, strong sound and connection to the classic Ralph give it a modern yet grounded feel.
Rafe is a variant of Ralph, which derives from the Old Norse name Ráðúlfr, composed of ráð 'counsel' and úlfr 'wolf'. Introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers, it was common in medieval times. The spelling 'Rafe' emerged as a phonetic variant and has seen modern use as a given name in its own right.
Where Rafe is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rafe
Sibling names for Rafe
Names that share Rafe's style, for a brother or sister.
