Thoughts on Boy Name

Yamsam · July 2012

WDYT of

Rafe Gunnar?

We like old names that are actual names and not made up, but also not really common. I LOVE Gunnar in the MN spot and my SO LOVES Rafe. I like Rafe more and more each day but sometimes wonder if it's too out there for common use. I also debate the spelling in my head of Rafe/Raif/Raef. I don't usually like to spell names differently than they should be spelled however since this is essentially the "Americanized" form of Ralph so that it is pronounced the way you want I'm not sure which is better in terms of spelling although I lean towards Raef.

Yes I am aware that some people see "rape or rake" when they read this name but those are not issues for me.

Thoughts or suggestions?

Aligator28 · July 2012

I don't mind the name. I have known two Rafes. One is in his mid 30s, and it's short for Raphael. The other is about four years old, and his name is simply Rafe.

I prefer the Rafe spelling.

austenreader85 · July 2012

Rafe is actually the British pronunciation for the name Ralph. I first learned this while working at a classical radio station and I mispronunced a composer's first name.

Meaning & History

Variant of RALPH. This form became common during the 17th century, reflecting the usual pronunciation

You could always just use Ralph then. I think the only other one would be Rafe but I much prefer Ralph.

Yamsam · July 2012

austenreader85:

Rafe is actually the British pronunciation for the name Ralph. I first learned this while working at a classical radio station and I mispronunced a composer's first name.

Meaning & History

Variant of RALPH. This form became common during the 17th century, reflecting the usual pronunciation

You could always just use Ralph then. I think the only other one would be Rafe but I much prefer Ralph.

This is correct austinreader85. I'm sorry for not being clearer but that's exactly what I was getting at, I don't want to use Ralph as over here it will be pronounced Ral-f all the time and I much prefer the Ray-f pronunciation.

FreyaWin2382 · July 2012

The only Rafe I ever knew IRL went to college with me....he was gorgeous and a genuinely nice guy so I'm cool with Rafe!

Between Rafe and Ralph, I would pick Rafe....the name Ralph always makes me think of throwing up.

magpie1127 · July 2012

I love the name Rafe!

letitbe3 · July 2012

I like Rafe! The only Rafe I've ever *known* is from Days of Our Lives - and he's certainly a handsome one

magsugar13 · July 2012

Rafe isnt bad although i look at it as a nn. gunnar is definitely nms

kelnyc · July 2012

I like Rafe! It reminds me of Ben Affleck's character in Pearl Harbor (Mmmmm, Josh Hartnett!) Gunnar is terrible IMHO. Remember the Nelson twins? This name was part of the Gunnar/Hunter/Fisher trend that made me want to vom.

That.Just.Happened · July 2012

I like it but prefer the Raif spelling.

Puppylove*85 · July 2012

It's okay but NMS.

Rafe makes me think of the tv show Chuck where Rafe is an assassin. Given that context, it seems a bit harsh when paired with Gunnar.

cindiesheart · July 2012

In my opinion Rafe is a strong hispanic name and gunnar is a very white name which is fine if you and your husband are bi-racial. But in the end it doesnt really matter what we think, you are the mommy and are gonna name him what you will.

cindiesheart · July 2012

cindiesheart:
In my opinion Rafe is a strong hispanic name and gunnar is a very white name which is fine if you and your husband are bi-racial. But in the end it doesnt really matter what we think, you are the mommy and are gonna name him what you will.

Ok,, my bad I was thrown off by the spelling I thought you were going for Raf-ay from Raphael.... I do like Rafe but only if its spelled Raif