UK boy's name
Refael
Masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning "God heals" or "God has healed".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2013. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Refael is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Refael popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2013 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4685, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2013, with 3 births.
This profile covers 3 England and Wales registrations across 1 recorded years from 2013 to 2013. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
Refael is at its recorded peak in the England and Wales series.
We estimate that about 3 living people in the UK are called Refael. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2014 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Refael ranked #4685 for boys in England and Wales in 2013, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 2013, when 3 boys were registered as Refael.
- • About 3 living people in the UK are estimated to have Refael as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4685
2013
Births in 2013
3
Latest year
Peak year
2013
3 births
Estimated living
3
2026
Meaning
What does Refael mean?
The name Refael originates from the Hebrew language and culture, with its earliest known usage dating back to ancient times. It is derived from the Hebrew name Raphael, which means "God has healed" or "God's healing." The name is rooted in the biblical story of the archangel Raphael, who is mentioned in the Book of Tobit and is regarded as the angel of healing and traveler's protector in Jewish and Christian traditions.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Refael can be found in the Talmud, a central text of rabbinic Judaism. The Talmud mentions a figure named Refael ben Yehuda, a renowned sage who lived during the 2nd century CE. This early reference suggests that the name has been in use among Jewish communities for centuries.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Refael. One of the most famous was Refael Santi (1483-1520), an Italian Renaissance painter and architect. Santi is best known for his iconic works, such as "The School of Athens" and "The Sistine Madonna," which are celebrated for their artistic mastery and timeless beauty.
Another prominent figure was Refael Molina (1619-1697), a Spanish theologian and philosopher. Molina was a significant figure in the development of the Molinism theological doctrine, which sought to reconcile divine foreknowledge and human free will.
In the realm of literature, Refael Sabatini (1875-1950) was an Italian-English novelist and writer. He is best known for his historical fiction novels, including the famous swashbuckling adventure novel "Scaramouche," which was published in 1921.
Moving to the modern era, Refael Gross (1924-2021) was an Israeli artist and sculptor. His works, which often depicted biblical and Jewish themes, can be found in museums and public spaces throughout Israel and around the world.
Refael Nadal (born 1986) is a Spanish professional tennis player who has won numerous Grand Slam titles and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. His name, Refael, has brought recognition to the name on a global scale.
The name Refael has a rich history rooted in religious and cultural traditions, and it has been borne by individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields throughout the centuries. From artists and writers to theologians and athletes, the name has carried a diverse range of meanings and associations, reflecting its enduring appeal and the diverse paths of those who have carried it.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Decades
Refael by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Refael was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4685 | 3 | 1 |
Related
Names similar to Refael
- Ryan 68,692
- Riley 37,992
- Robert 27,462
- Reuben 25,122
- Rhys 24,418
- Reece 24,329
- Rory 21,870
- Roman 16,609
- Ronnie 16,445
- Reggie 14,684
- Rowan 14,371
- Ralph 8,892
FAQ
Refael: questions and answers
How popular is the name Refael in the UK right now?
In 2013, Refael was ranked #4685 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Refael most popular?
The peak year on record was 2013, with 3 babies registered as Refael in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Refael?
Masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning "God heals" or "God has healed".
How many people are called Refael in the UK?
A total of 3 babies have been registered as Refael across the 1 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.