Rafe

Rafe is an English given name that originated as a medieval vernacular pronunciation of Ralph, itself derived from the Old Norse name Ráðúlfr, composed of the elements ráð meaning counsel and úlfr meaning wolf. This spoken form predates standardized spelling and reflects how Ralph was commonly pronounced in Britain for centuries, eventually solidifying as an independent spelling. The name has appeared in English literature and aristocratic usage, helping it persist as a distinct form. Ralph and Raoul are closely related cognates sharing the same Germanic root.