Hi all,
Keen to hear thoughts on baby boy name Raphael, as a brother for Max. We are a mixed Portuguese / Australian family, living in Australia. We like names that are fairly timeless (a Max could be elderly or a baby !), edgy / strong for a boy name, and do not stand out as distinctly foreign in Europe or Australia. We like the name but I am unsure if it is strange to have one child with a one syllable name, another with a 3 syllable name. Also conscious that it is a bit less common / heard of than Max, so wondering how people view this name.
Looking forward to hearing views. Thanks!
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Okay so in Europe [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] probably is more common than [name_m]Max[/name_m].
I prefer [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] though it feels very starry and calm and serene to me, like the painting of [name_m]Van[/name_m] Gogh. Also reminds me of art, dark blue, someone intellectual but charming and the Impressionist movement but also of the Renaissance [name_m]Raffaello[/name_m]
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I like [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] - elegant, arty, international and charming. I think it’s familiar enough that it doesn’t sound at odds with [name_m]Max[/name_m]!
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I feel like both names could classify as international and recognizable, they don’t seem mismatched to me despite the syllable difference. I also like [name_m]Rafa[/name_m] as a nickname (even with the “ph” spelling)
[name_m]Raphael[/name_m] & [name_m]Max[/name_m] fit nicely together! While their vibes are slightly different, with [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] as [name_m]Euro[/name_m] chic and artistic and [name_m]Max[/name_m] as the friendly boy next door, they’re both familiar and down to earth. I like the nickname [name_m]Rafa[/name_m] a lot too!
I love the name [name_m]Raphael[/name_m]! It’s so strong and timeless, and the meaning is wonderful! It would give me pause to use a longer name after [name_m]Max[/name_m] as they feel like two different styles, but I really don’t think this would be noticeable to anyone but a name-nerd. Especially if you used the nickname Raph, there wouldn’t be a problem (Raph and [name_m]Max[/name_m] are adorable together!)
[name_m]Max[/name_m] and Raphael/Rafael are great together! I’m not sure about [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] in Australia, but it feels very international to me, and I would be pleased to meet one. In fact, I met a little [name_m]Rafael[/name_m] nn [name_m]Rafa[/name_m] several months ago and it made me so happy! I think [name_m]Max[/name_m] and [name_m]Rafe[/name_m] or [name_m]Max[/name_m] and [name_m]Rafa[/name_m] are super cool together, and [name_m]Rafa[/name_m] feels so deliciously Portuguese to me.
Good luck!
Raohael is a timeless, classic, and charming name. [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] is internationally recognized. [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] sounds energetic, happy, bright and friendly. It can also be seen as regal, strong and refined. [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] suits a little boy and an elderly man. [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] has a nice meaning. The name and its variations are established in multiple languages and adored in different countries. The nickname Rafa/Rapha is also very appreciated around the globe.
[name_m]Raphael[/name_m] is slightly longer than [name_m]Max[/name_m]. However, it also offers a few interesting nicknames that are short like [name_m]Max[/name_m]. [name_f]Alpha[/name_f] would be cool. I also like Raph, [name_m]Ray[/name_m] and [name_m]Rael[/name_m]. You may also like [name_m]Ralph[/name_m].
[name_m]Rafael[/name_m] is a popular choice in Portugal. I think [name_m]Max[/name_m] and [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] would create a well balanced set. [name_m]Max[/name_m] would be more common in Australia and [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] would be easier to find in Portugal.
I’m Portuguese and I have a little cousin named [name_m]Rafael[/name_m]. He is a really sweet boy. He is intelligent, kind, gentle and an amazing brother. We call him [name_m]Rafa[/name_m] most of the time. I believe the name will be well-received in your Portuguese side of the family. Hopefully, your Australian family members will also admire Raphael’s qualities!
Good luck with everything! 
I love [name_m]Raphael[/name_m]! It such a handsome striking kind of name. As for [name_m]Raphael[/name_m] and [name_m]Max[/name_m], they do seem a little mismatched. But thats only on paper. Both are well loved and recognized names. And I feel like when in real day to day use you probably wouldn’t even notice.
I really love [name_m]Raphael[/name_m]! I think it’s equally recognizable to [name_m]Max[/name_m]. They’re lovely together!
