Declining since 1991.
Popularity of Ralphael since 1967
Babies named Ralphael per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 51 |
| 1980s | 122 |
| 1990s | 105 |
| 2000s | 67 |
| 2010s | 73 |
| 2020s | 14 |
Meaning & origin
Ralphael is an uncommon variant of the classic name Raphael, sharing its Hebrew origin and meaning 'God has healed.' First recorded in the United States in 1967, the name saw a brief peak in 1991 and has been falling in usage since, reflecting a pattern of parents gravitating toward more standard spellings of traditional names. With no recorded top states, its appeal remains niche. Historically, the name Raphael has strong religious and artistic associations, but the Ralphael spelling carries no such baggage, making it a distinctive alternative for those who appreciate the sound but want a more unique form.
Ralphael is a variant spelling of Raphael, derived from the Hebrew name רָפָאֵל (Rafa'el) meaning 'God has healed.' While Raphael is a well-documented archangel in Abrahamic traditions, the Ralphael spelling is a modern, less common adaptation that first appeared in U.S. records in 1967. Its usage remains rare, with a peak in 1991 and a subsequent decline.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Raph, Ralphy, El
Sibling names for Ralphael
Names that share Ralphael's style, for a brother or sister.
