Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Rafael.
National Rank (2025)
#218
All-Time Peak Rank
#195 (1985)
Total U.S. Births
89,379
Unisex Distribution99.4% Boy / 0.6% GirlBalance: Overwhelmingly Male
💡 The Rafael Vibe: This choice is considered a Rising Star. A high-velocity modern choice demonstrating rapid, sustained growth in recent registries.
📖 The Story Behind Rafael
According to SSA data, Rafael achieved its highest historical rank of #195 in 1985. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 2006 with 1,702 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have increased by 33.7%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 139 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Rafael scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Rising
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
+33.7% Growth
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record1,702Births in 2006
Years in Top 100
0yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
139Years
Historical VolatilityHighly Volatile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:65
1890s:84
1900s:172
1910s:608
1920s:1,701
1930s:1,402
1940s:1,833
1950s:3,954
1960s:6,285
1970s:9,592
1980s:12,274
1990s:14,370
2000s:15,037
2010s:12,794
2020s:9,208
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesRaf-a-el
Letter Count6 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: Longer than 25.7% of SSA names. Starts with R, a letter used by only 4.7% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Rafael? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics