Rising since 1998, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Refael since 1993
Babies named Refael per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2019, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Refael's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 64 |
| 2010s | 147 |
| 2020s | 128 |
Meaning & origin
Refael is a Hebrew name meaning 'God has healed,' reflecting its roots in the angelic figure Raphael. While not among the most popular names in the United States, its usage has been steadily rising since 1998. In 2025, the name ranked #4249, with approximately 1 in 71,170 boys receiving it. Its peak year so far is 2025, suggesting growing appeal. The name is most common in New Jersey and New York, states with large Jewish populations. The trajectory indicates a gradual increase, likely influenced by broader trends toward traditional, religiously significant names. Despite its modest rank, Refael remains a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with deep spiritual and historical resonance.
Refael is a Hebrew name meaning 'God has healed,' derived from the elements rafa ('to heal') and El ('God'). In the Hebrew Bible, Raphael is one of the archangels, mentioned in the Book of Tobit as a healing angel. The name has been used among Jewish communities for centuries and appears in various spelling forms across cultures.
Where Refael is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Refael” around the world
Where Refael 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: Rafi, Raf
Sibling names for Refael
Names that share Refael's style, for a brother or sister.
