Raphael's rise in French naming trends

The name Raphael has become increasingly popular in France, with over 3,000 boys named Raphael in 2025 compared to just 260 in 1920. This significant increase is attributed to changing naming trends, the revival of vintage names, and greater parental choice in selecting names for their children.

Historical context of Raphael's usage

According to the Fichier des prénoms from INSEE, Raphael was a rare name in France in 1920, with only around 260 boys given the name. It began to rise in popularity slowly during the 1970s and gained more traction in the 1990s and 2000s.

Raphael's current standing in 2025

In 2025, Raphael ranks fourth among the most popular names for boys in France, with approximately 3,285 births. Some estimates suggest the number could be as high as 3,400 when including variations like Raphaël and Raphäel.

Broader naming trends in France

The Fichier des prénoms lists 65,940 different names given to babies in France in 2025, showing a wide diversity in naming choices. Raphael accounts for about 1% of all male births, making it a common but not overwhelming name in schools and communities.

Slow but steady growth of Raphael

The name Raphael experienced a peak in 2018 with around 4,610 births before stabilizing slightly. Its steady growth over the decades reflects a broader trend of parents seeking names that are both traditional and unique.