Rafael

Rafael is a male given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the elements rapha, meaning “to heal,” and el, meaning “God.” The name is traditionally interpreted as “God has healed.” In religious and historical contexts, the archangel Raphael is regarded as a healer and guide in several traditions. The form Rafael is common in Spanish-, Portuguese-, and Italian-speaking communities, while Raphael is widely used in English- and French-speaking areas. Diminutives include Rafa, and the Polish form is Rafal.

Usage and notable bearers: Rafael Nadal Parera (born 1986) is a Spanish professional tennis player regarded as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Rafael Benítez Maudes (born 1960) is a Spanish football manager. Rafael Correa Delgado (born 1963) served as president of Ecuador from 2007 to 2017. Mexican footballer Rafael Márquez Álvarez (born 1979) has played for clubs including FC Barcelona and has captained the national team. Brazilian footballer Rafael da Silva (born 1989), commonly known simply as Rafael, played as a right-back for Manchester United. These examples illustrate the name’s broad use across sports, politics, and the Americas.

Beyond individuals, Rafael appears in religious and literary contexts as the name of the archangel and as a widely used given name across cultures. It remains common in contemporary populations and appears in various media and publications.