Rafer

Spanish; German; Croatian; Portuguese, variation of Raphael

"God has healed"

Rafer Origin and Meaning

The name Rafer is a boy's name.

Rafer is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may derive from the Old Norse 'Ragnfriðr' meaning 'peace-ruler,' or it could be related to the Old English 'rǣd' meaning 'counsel' combined with 'faran' meaning 'to journey.' Some consider it a variation of the name Ralph (derived from 'Radulf,' meaning 'counsel wolf'). The name gained some recognition through American Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson in the mid-20th century. Despite this notable bearer, Rafer has remained uncommon in usage, never breaking into top naming charts. The name has a strong, concise sound that combines traditional roots with a distinctive quality. Its rarity makes it appealing to parents seeking a masculine name that sounds established yet isn't commonly heard.

Famous People Named Rafer

• Rafer Alston American basketball player