Raff

Raff is a given name and, less commonly, a surname used in various cultures. It is most often a shortened form of names such as Rafael, Raphael, or Raffaele, but in some cases it is used as an independent given name. In English-speaking contexts it is typically male and used informally, though naming practices vary by region and over time.

Origin and meaning: The longer forms from which Raff is derived trace to the root names Rafael or Raphael, traditionally interpreted as "God heals." As a nickname, Raff preserves the succinct, informal character of the original names.

Usage: Beyond individuals, Raff appears in fiction and media as a character name and at times as a stage name for performers. The brevity of the form means it can be encountered in diverse contexts, sometimes alongside alternative spellings like Raf or Raffi.

Other uses: Raff may also appear as part of acronyms or organizational names in specialized fields, but such uses are less common and vary by region. Because of its brevity and ambiguity, Raff often requires context to distinguish between people, fictional characters, and other uses.