Updated October 2024
Across 2 pages
of 2
Hebrew
"fourth born"
Tied to country singer/sitcom star Reba McEntire.
Hebrew, feminine variation of Raphael
"God has healed"
A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.
"friend of God"
Spelling a bit elaborate and confusing.
"God's joyful song"
Hebrew name related to Ronit and Roni, also used in different cultures as Ronya, Ronja, and Roniya. Virtually unknown in the English-speaking world though certainly an easily-translatable choice.
"fresh, luxuriant"
This strong name and its variations are well used in Israel.
"mercy, compassion"
This name -- the basic form is Rachamim -- is especially popular among Sephardic Jews.
"my song, my joy"
Too bad everyone in this country will tend to hear Ronnie.
"song"
Delicate embellishment of Rani.
"pomegranate"
Well used in Israel, likely to be confused with Ramona here.
Short form of Zachariah, Hebrew
"The Lord has remembered"
If you think there are too many Zachs around, you can use this historic nickname for Zachariah instead, though it does have a somewhat feminine feel.
"chief"
Rosh is not Ross, not Rush, but an improvement on both of those more familiar names. The Biblical Rosh was a son of Benjamin, so you might consider it to honor a father or otherwise ancestral…
Raphia is a feminine name with botanical origins, referring to a genus of palm trees native to tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The name has a melodic quality with its flowing sounds. While…
"beautiful, fresh"
Lovely Hebrew name with distinctive double a's, but beware of possible "banana" teasing.
Variation of Rebecca, Hebrew
"servant of God"
Rebekka is a more creative spelling -- at least in some people's opinion -- of the biblical favorite Rebecca. Rebekka is also the usual German version. The Rebekkah spelling was commonly used in…
German variation of Hebrew Raphaela
"God heals"
Whether spelled Raffaela, Rafaela, Raffaella, or Raphaela, a euphonius name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image. Like Gabriella and Isabella, is beginning to be drawn into the American…
"first"
A possible alternative to the better-known Shoshona.
Rafia is a feminine name with multicultural origins, finding roots in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu traditions. In Arabic, the name means 'high' or 'exalted,' suggesting elevation and nobility of…
Swedish literary name
Pippi Longstocking author Astrid Lindgren invented the name Ronja for her book Ronja, the Robber's Daughter . She was inspired by the lake Juronjaure, located in Norrbotten, Sweden. Lindgren's…
Rafya is a feminine name with multicultural origins. It likely derives from Arabic roots, possibly related to 'Rafia' which means 'high status' or 'exalted.' In some cultures, it may be connected to…