Rafa, of Spanish origin, is a short and charming form of Rafael, meaning "God has healed" in Hebrew. It's a popular choice for boys, particularly in Spain and Latin America. The name has gained international recognition through notable figures like Rafa Nadal, the renowned tennis player.
The name Rafa experienced a significant spike in popularity from 2022 to 2023, with nearly double the number of births compared to previous years. Prior to this, the annual birth count hovered around an average of 8 births per year.