Find out how popular the first name Rafiel has been for the last 46 years (from 1974 to 2019) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Rafiel by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Rafiel is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2019, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rafiel.

The history of the first name Rafiel

The name Rafiel is believed to have originated from the Arabic language, derived from the root words "rafi" meaning "companion" and "el" meaning "God" or "divine." This combination suggests that the name Rafiel carries the meaning "companion of God" or "divine companion."

The name is thought to have its roots in the Middle Eastern region, where Arabic culture and language have flourished for centuries. While the exact origin and time period are uncertain, it is possible that the name was in use during the early days of Islamic civilization, which began in the 7th century.

There are no known mentions of the name Rafiel in ancient texts, religious scriptures, or historical records from the region. However, its Arabic roots and meaning align with the Islamic tradition of giving names that reflect faith and devotion to God.

The earliest recorded examples of the name Rafiel are difficult to pinpoint, as record-keeping practices varied across regions and time periods. Nevertheless, some notable individuals throughout history have borne this name.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Rafiel was Rafiel al-Baghdadi, a renowned poet and scholar who lived in Baghdad during the 9th century. His works contributed significantly to the development of Arabic literature and intellectual discourse.

Another notable figure was Rafiel ibn Abi al-Qasim, a 12th-century physician and philosopher from Andalusia, who made important contributions to the fields of medicine and natural philosophy.

In the 14th century, Rafiel al-Samarqandi was a renowned astronomer and mathematician from Samarkand, known for his work on astronomical instruments and celestial observations.

Moving forward in time, Rafiel Bey was a 17th-century Ottoman statesman and diplomat who served as the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire from 1632 to 1635.

More recently, Rafiel Ghanouchi was a prominent Tunisian Islamic scholar and politician, born in 1941, who played a significant role in the Tunisian Revolution of 2011 and the subsequent transition to democracy.

While the name Rafiel may not be as common in contemporary times, its rich history and meaning as a "companion of God" or "divine companion" reflect the cultural and religious influences that have shaped its origins and usage throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Rafiel was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Rafiel, please contact us.

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