Rafail

Rafail is a masculine given name used in Russia and other Slavic-speaking regions. It is the Slavic form of Rafael (Raphael), a name of Hebrew origin from Refa'el, meaning “God heals.” In Cyrillic, the name is written Рафаил and is commonly transliterated as Rafail. Variants include Rafael and Raphael in Western languages, with local adaptations in different countries. The name is associated with Christian naming traditions and is found among Orthodox and Catholic communities in Eastern Europe.

The name Rafail is most common in countries with historical ties to the Russian and broader Slavic linguistic sphere. It is often chosen for its religious resonance, due in part to the archangel Raphael, a figure in Judeo-Christian tradition who is portrayed as a healer and guide. This religious backdrop contributes to the name’s continued use in religious families and communities.

Typical forms and diminutives vary by language and region. In addition to the formal Rafail, shorter forms such as Raf or Rafa may be used as nicknames. In some languages, phonetic variants or affectionate forms adapt to local pronunciation.

Notable bearers of the name have appeared primarily in Slavic-speaking regions, including religious leaders, scholars, and public figures. Today, Rafail remains a recognized, if relatively uncommon, given name in parts of Eastern Europe, reflecting both linguistic heritage and cultural tradition.