Raphael is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "rapha" which means "to heal". The name Raphael has been used throughout history and has several significant historical figures associated with it.
One of the most famous Raphaels was the Italian painter and architect of the High Renaissance period, Rafael Sanzio. Born in 1483 in Urbino, Italy, he became one of the most influential artists of his time. His work includes renowned paintings such as "The School of Athens" and "The Transfiguration". He was also known for his architectural designs and his contributions to the art of fresco.
Another notable Raphael was the archangel Raphael, who appears in the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit in the Old Testament. According to the story, Raphael accompanied Tobias on a journey and helped him marry Sarah by binding Satan with a fetter. In the New Testament, Raphael is mentioned as one of the seven archangels.
In literature, Raphael is also the name of the main character in "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde. The character is known for his beauty and charm, but ultimately meets a tragic end.
Throughout history, Raphael has been associated with various forms of artistic expression, from painting to literature, and has inspired many people with its meaning of healing and restoration. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents looking for a name that combines tradition with a touch of elegance.
The name Raphael has been a popular choice for parents in the United States since at least the late 19th century. Between 1882 and 2023, there have been a total of 22,685 births with the name Raphael.
Looking at the statistics year by year, we can see that the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the number of babies named Raphael each year ranged from a low of 5 in 1882 to a high of 68 in 1913.
After World War II, there was a significant increase in the popularity of the name Raphael. In the 1940s and 1950s, the number of births with this name ranged from around 60 to around 100 each year. However, starting in the late 1960s, we see a more dramatic increase in the popularity of the name.
Between 1968 and 2023, the number of babies named Raphael each year has consistently been above 100, with peaks occurring in recent years. In 2022, there were 640 births with the name Raphael, making it one of the most popular boys' names that year.
Overall, these statistics show that while Raphael may have had periods of relative popularity and unpopularity throughout history, it has remained a consistently chosen name for American parents over time.