A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Raffaella since 1911
Babies named Raffaella per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2024, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Raffaella's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 37 |
| 1920s | 41 |
| 1930s | 5 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 28 |
| 1970s | 49 |
| 1980s | 30 |
| 1990s | 19 |
| 2000s | 57 |
| 2010s | 103 |
| 2020s | 101 |
Meaning & origin
Raffaella is a rare but recognizable Italian feminine name with deep historical roots. First recorded in the U.S. in 1911, its peak popularity was that same year, though it has maintained a steady presence. In 2025, it ranked 6,325 with approximately 1 in 89,293 girls receiving the name, a rarity that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive yet classic choice. The name has been on an upward trajectory since 1999, reflecting a broader revival of vintage Italian names. Raffaella's connection to the archangel Raphael gives it a layer of spiritual significance without being overtly religious. Its melodic rhythm and nickname potential (Raffa, Ella) add to its charm, making it a name that feels both elegant and approachable.
Raffaella is the Italian feminine form of Raffaele, the Italian version of Raphael, which derives from the Hebrew name רָפָאֵל (Rafa'el) meaning 'God has healed'. Raphael is the name of an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic tradition, known as a healer. The name has been used in Italy since the Middle Ages and became more widespread in the 20th century, especially in the form Raffaella. It shares roots with the English variant Raphaela.
“Raffaella” around the world
Where Raffaella lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Raffa, Ella, Lella
Sibling names for Raffaella
Names that share Raffaella's style, for a brother or sister.
