Hello, posted recently for feedback on the name [name_m]Raphael[/name_m], and received helpful feedback. Honing in on a decision now - keen to hear views on a choice between [name_m]Leo[/name_m] or [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] as a brother for [name_m]Max[/name_m]. Portuguese / Australian family living in Australia. We like names that are international, timeless (not a fleeting trend), have presence (strong), easy to say and spell and suitable for a baby or man.
[name_m]Leo[/name_m] was a sure thing for so long, also short and edgy like [name_m]Max[/name_m] but I’m wondering if its extreme popularity all over the world has made it a bit … boring / unremarkable (might or might not be a bad thing?). [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] has come in to the mix but I’m not sure it’s a bit off next to [name_m]Max[/name_m], and whether it would be well received in Australia. It’s definitely uncommon in Australia so more distinctive. [name_m]Keen[/name_m] to hear views !
[name_m]Leo[/name_m] is gorgeous but SO popular. And in that meteoric rise kind of way that will make it feel very time-bound in my opinion, which is a shame. I had it on my list as a kid but clearly so did everyone else our age!
I agree that [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] feels maybe a little elaborate next to [name_m]Max[/name_m]. But Raph/Raf/Raffa feels very chill and boyish like [name_m]Max[/name_m], and would definitely be wearable in Aus. I wouldn’t expect it would feel outlandish, just distinctive in a good way. Noting more elaborate [name_m]Leonardo[/name_m] is actually within the Australian top 100 currently (but falling), so romantic but more understated [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] would be fine.
If you’re open to other names or more suggestions, have you considered [name_m]Felix[/name_m]? [name_m]Toby[/name_m]? [name_m]Otto[/name_m] (maybe a bit trendy)?
[name_m]Raphael[/name_m] without a doubt. It’s an unexpected name, where [name_m]Leo[/name_m] is too popular. There are great nns for [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] too, Raph and Raffa spring to mind. I really like it.
I’d go for [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] !! Both names are handsome, but [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] is definitely more timeless in my opinion. I don’t think it feels off with [name_m]Max[/name_m] at all !! If anything, [name_m]Max[/name_m] & [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] feel like a more timeless, cool-yet-classic sibset to me, whereas I think [name_m]Max[/name_m] & [name_m]Leo[/name_m] plays a bit into the trendy-cool vibe more which it looks like you aren’t as into.
[name_f]Love[/name_f] [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] - elegant and sophisticated, but solid and established too - like others have mentioned, it has nickname options that make it fit perfectly fine with [name_m]Max[/name_m]
Although both are gorgeous, I actually prefer [name_m]Leo[/name_m]! I think that it pairs better with [name_m]Max[/name_m] because of the length and that the popularity levels are similar whereas the gap between [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] and [name_m]Max[/name_m] would be quite large.
I’m a big fan of both [name_m]Leo[/name_m] and [name_m]Raphael[/name_m]! I think it’s ok that [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] is a little more elaborate than [name_m]Max[/name_m]. All of them work really well together. I am not Australian so can’t speak to the name culture there, but I have heard that nicknaming is a big thing there and I would much prefer to have a [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] who goes by [name_m]Rafe[/name_m] or Rafa/Rapha/Raffa than a [name_m]Leo[/name_m] who gets called [name_m]Lee[/name_m], myself. I love [name_m]Leo[/name_m] and don’t mind his popularity personally, but Rafael/Raphael feels so deliciously Brazilian/Portuguese that my heart wants it for you.
I think either one are lovely, timeless, beautiful names that will serve your son so well. I don’t think you could go wrong with either pick. But you do seem hesitant on [name_m]Raphael[/name_m], so if he doesn’t feel quite right, maybe [name_m]Leo[/name_m] is a better choice for you… but for what it’s worth, I would love to see Rafael/Raphael used more.
I love [name_m]Leo[/name_m] and [name_m]Max[/name_m]! [name_f]My[/name_f] only hold up would be they are the two main characters in [name_m]Mel[/name_m] Brooks’ The Producers, but thats probably not common knowledge and would very likely never occur to anyone but theatre nerds or people really in to [name_m]Mel[/name_m] [name_m]Brooks[/name_m] movies
[name_m]Raphael[/name_m] is just not my style but i do think it sounds nice with [name_m]Max[/name_m]. I like the nickname Raph with [name_m]Max[/name_m] as well
Honestly, I think both work perfectly with [name_m]Max[/name_m], they just have different vibes – [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] “Rafa” & [name_m]Max[/name_m] feels very international and cool, while [name_m]Leo[/name_m] & [name_m]Max[/name_m] feels a little more boy-next-door. Maybe try them both out in real life? Pretend to call [name_m]Leo[/name_m] or [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] to dinner and see which one feels more natural to you!
Both [name_m]Leo[/name_m] and [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] are two of my absolute favorite names! I love them both with [name_m]Max[/name_m] (Max and Raph is really cute as is [name_m]Max[/name_m] and Leo!) I would probably go for [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] as it’s so handsome, strong, and sophisticated, but the nicknames Raph/Rapha blend in more with Max’s style.