The name Rafael is of Spanish origin, derived from the Hebrew name Raphael, which means 'God has healed'. It is a popular name in many parts of the world, including Spain, Latin America, and the United States. The name has been used by numerous notable figures throughout history, such as the renowned Italian painter Raphael, who was active during the High Renaissance period. Rafael Nadal, the famous Spanish tennis player, also bears this name.
The name Rafael has seen consistent popularity over the past two decades, with seven births recorded each in 2005, 2015, and 2022.