Rafa is a name of Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name Raphael, which means "God has healed." The name Rafa is often associated with the archangel Raphael, one of the seven archangels in Jewish and Christian traditions.
The name Rafa has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. In the Old Testament, Raphael is mentioned as one of the angels who accompanied Tobit on his journey. He also appears in the Book of Enoch, where he is described as a protector and guide of travelers.
In the Middle Ages, the name Raphael became popular among Catholics due to its association with healing and protection. It was often given to children born around the time of the feast day of St. Raphael, which is celebrated on September 29th.
Today, Rafa continues to be a popular name in Spanish-speaking countries and beyond. Despite its long history, it remains a timeless choice for parents looking for a strong and meaningful name for their child.
Statistics for the name Rafa in the United States from 2011 to 2023 show a varying number of births each year, with a total of 103 babies named Rafa born during this period.
The highest number of births recorded was in 2022 and 2023, with 19 births each year. This indicates that the name Rafa has gained popularity recently, as it is one of the most common years for babies named Rafa to be born.
Prior to these years, the number of births varied between 5 and 10 each year, indicating a consistent but not overwhelming presence of the name Rafa among newborns in the United States during this time period.