Origin & Meaning of the Rafael Surname
What does the last name Rafael mean?
The surname Rafael carries the meaning "Origin and meaning under research." It is derived from the Unknown language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,631 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Rafael ranks as the #9,006 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Rafael come from?
The Rafael surname has its roots in Unknown heritage. Names of Unknown origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Rafael name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Rafael trace back to Unknown. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Rafael |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Origin and meaning under research |
| Origin | Unknown |
| Language | Unknown |
| US Rank (2010) | #9,006 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,631 |
| Per 100K People | 1.23 |
| First Letter | R |
Ethnic Distribution of Rafael
According to the US Census, the Rafael surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,631 Americans with the Rafael last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 15.48% |
| Black | 2.09% |
| Hispanic | 62.9% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 15.97% |
| Native American | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 1.35% |
Popularity of Rafael Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Rafael surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Rafael surname increased by 1,186 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Rafael
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Rafael.
Other Unknown Surnames
Explore more surnames with Unknown roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Unknown origin as Rafael.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rafael
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