Refoel

A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 215 recorded U.S. births.

Boy's name#7603 in 2024Declining

Meaning & Origin

Fewer than 215 Americans have ever been named Refoel. It first appeared in SSA records in 2002 and peaked modestly at 18 births in 2017 — rare enough to be distinctive, with just enough history to feel grounded.

In the most recent SSA release, Refoel ranks #7603 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.

Refoel is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, the Yiddish and Ashkenazi pronunciation of Raphael — from the Hebrew Rafa'el meaning 'God has healed.' Raphael is one of the seven archangels, patron of healing, travelers, and the young. In Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, Refoel preserves the original Yiddish pronunciation that Eastern European Jewish communities used for centuries.

A name carried across the Atlantic in the hearts of immigrants, Refoel connects its bearers to the unbroken chain of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

EtymologyShow more

Refoel first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 2002. A twenty-first-century entry, Refoel belongs to the newest generation of American names — often coined, blended, or borrowed from international sources.

Its Hebrew classification suggests a path from hebrew linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.

At a Glance

215

Total births

Since 2002

2017

Peak

18 births

2002

First recorded

23 years of data

Compare Refoel with another name

Popularity Over Time

Refoel has 20+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 2002.

First appeared: 2002Peak: 2017 (18 births)Current: #7603

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Refoel
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	59	#7230	▼
2010s	118	#7394	▲
2000s	38	#10289	—

The Story of Refoel

A Gen Alpha name

Peaking in 2017, Refoel is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Refoel are most likely born between 2007 and 2024.

How rare is Refoel?

Only about 1 in every 327,273 babies born in 2024 was named Refoel — a truly uncommon choice.

The journey through the decades

First appeared in the records in 2002, peaked in the 2010s with 118 births that decade, and remains solidly popular today.

Refoel by the numbers

Would fill 4 school buses

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(20 years, 2002–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Refoel
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	11	#7603	-3 (-21.4%)
2023	14	#6436	+4 (40.0%)
2022	10	#8169	-2 (-16.7%)
2021	12	#7003	0
2020	12	#6941	-4 (-25.0%)
2019	16	#5737	+5 (45.5%)
2018	11	#7499	-7 (-38.9%)
2017	18	#5255	+10 (125.0%)
2016	8	#9484	-4 (-33.3%)
2015	12	#6991	0
2014	12	#6965	-1 (-7.7%)
2013	13	#6530	+2 (18.2%)
2012	11	#7433	+3 (37.5%)
2011	8	#9409	-1 (-11.1%)
2010	9	#8640	+2 (28.6%)
2009	7	#10719	-6 (-46.2%)
2008	13	#6682	+7 (116.7%)
2007	6	#12043	-1 (-14.3%)
2005	7	#9902	+2 (40.0%)
2002	5	#12098	—

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Refoel a boy's or girl's name?

Refoel is primarily a boy's name.

When was Refoel most popular?

Refoel reached its peak popularity in 2017 with 18 births that year. It is currently ranked #7603 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Refoel?

Refoel is currently ranked #7603 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 215 babies since 2002.

Explore More

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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 2002–2024