Refael
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 320 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Refael is a two-syllable boy's name with a resonant, angelic sound — shared with Hebrew names of angels and prophets. With only 320 recorded U.S. births, it is exceptionally rare — the kind of name most people encounter for the first time when they meet your child.
In the most recent SSA release, Refael ranks #4516 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Refael is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, an alternate spelling of Raphael, from the Hebrew Rafa'el, composed of rafa (healed) and el (God), meaning 'God heals' or 'healing of God.'
Raphael is one of the three archangels named in scripture and tradition, known as the angel of healing. The Refael spelling reflects Sephardic Jewish and Israeli pronunciation, giving it a more direct connection to the original Hebrew. It's a name that carries both divine protection and artistic legacy — Raphael the Renaissance painter being perhaps the most famous bearer of this name.
EtymologyShow more
Refael is cataloged under the Hebrew naming tradition. Hebrew names often carry theological significance — many embed references to God, virtues, or blessings within their structure.
In the U.S., Refael has been recorded as a boy's name since 1993, with 320 total births. Browse the Hebrew names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Refael climbed 8290 spots in the last 20 years — from #12806 to #4516.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 104 | #4836 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 147 | #6402 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 64 | #9709 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 5 | #9848 | — |
The Story of Refael
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2019, Refael is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Refael are most likely born between 2009 and 2024.
How rare is Refael?
Only about 1 in every 156,522 babies born in 2024 was named Refael — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1993, peaked in the 2010s with 147 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.
Refael by the numbers
- Would fill 7 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(24 years, 1993–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 23 | #4516 |
| 2023 | 20 | #5017 |
| 2022 | 18 | #5383 |
| 2021 | 22 | #4595 |
| 2020 | 21 | #4669 |
| 2019 | 25 | #4206 |
| 2018 | 19 | #5065 |
| 2017 | 15 | #6007 |
| 2016 | 10 | #8034 |
| 2015 | 14 | #6238 |
| 2014 | 17 | #5432 |
| 2013 | 9 | #8617 |
| 2012 | 14 | #6235 |
| 2011 | 14 | #6180 |
| 2010 | 10 | #8003 |
| 2009 | 7 | #10718 |
| 2008 | 15 | #5999 |
| 2007 | 8 | #9570 |
| 2006 | 6 | #11732 |
| 2005 | 10 | #7531 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1993–2024