Declining since 2017, #10,917 for girls today.
Popularity of Raphaela since 1915
Babies named Raphaela per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 7 |
| 1920s | 23 |
| 1930s | 11 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 12 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 46 |
| 1980s | 42 |
| 1990s | 65 |
| 2000s | 95 |
| 2010s | 116 |
| 2020s | 71 |
Meaning & origin
Raphaela is a feminine elaboration of Raphael, a name deeply rooted in biblical tradition. First recorded in U.S. data in 1915, it remained rare for decades before seeing a modest peak in popularity in 2016. Since 2017, its usage has been declining, reflecting a broader trend away from less common biblical feminines. In 2025, it ranked 10917th, with an incidence of 1 in 200908 births. While not among the most popular names, its melodic sound and spiritual resonance continue to appeal to families seeking a distinctive yet traditional choice.
Raphaela is the feminine form of Raphael, derived from the Hebrew name רְפָאֵל (Refa'el), meaning 'God has healed.' It shares roots with the masculine archangel Raphael, who appears in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions as a healer. The name has been used across Europe, particularly in Germany and the Nordic countries, and gained some popularity in English-speaking regions in the late 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rafi, Ella, Phae, Raph
Sibling names for Raphaela
Names that share Raphaela's style, for a brother or sister.
