Rafael

The given name Rafael is a prominent masculine appellation of Hebrew origin, possessing deep religious and historical significance.

Origin

Rafael originates from the Hebrew name Rafa'el (רָפָאֵל). This is a theophoric name, meaning it incorporates a divine name or title, and it is deeply rooted in ancient Abrahamic religious traditions.

Meaning

The name Rafael translates to 'God has healed' or 'It is God who has healed'. It is composed of the Hebrew elements rapha (רָפָא), signifying 'to heal', and El (אֵל), signifying 'God'.

Religious Significance

Rafael is widely recognized as the name of an archangel in Jewish, Christian (notably within the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit), and Islamic traditions. Archangel Raphael is revered as an angel associated with healing, guidance, and protection, attributes that have substantially contributed to the name's sustained popularity across various cultures.

Variations and Usage

The name Rafael and its cognates are utilized worldwide. Common variants include Raphael (prevalent in English, German, and French), Raffaello (Italian), Rafał (Polish), and Рафаил (Russian: Rafail). The name enjoys considerable popularity in numerous European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern societies.