See the results of this poll: Donovan (nn Van) or Raphael (mm Rafe/Raff)
Respondents: 25 (This poll is closed)
- Donovan (nn Van) : 7 (28%)
- Raphael (nn Raff/Rafe): 18 (72%)
The two names are very different in terms of style and sound. I prefer [name_m]Raphael[/name_m]. It rolls off the tongue, and the general sound is more pleasant (to me) than [name_m]Donovan[/name_m]. I also prefer the nickname [name_m]Raff[/name_m] to [name_u]Van[/name_u]. I think both names are nice, but [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] is better (and less popular, though both are well outside of the top 100).
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you have a middle name in mind? That might help narrow things down.
I prefer [name_m]Raphael[/name_m]. Both are nice but I think [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] has a more beautiful and unconventional sound these days (the “-an” ending is getting more and more trendy). However, I do want to mention that in many places [name_m]Rafi[/name_m] (rah-fee) is the preferred nickname and I think that’s much cuter than [name_m]Raff[/name_m] or [name_u]Rafe[/name_u]!
Far prefer [name_m]Donavan[/name_m] and love nn [name_u]Van[/name_u]!