Faith

Is it advisable to name a son Raphael?

AA

Question

Dear Rabbi,
I am in advanced pregnancy and we are having a baby boy (after two and a half years of attempts and treatments, and he came by himself from Hashem after I took upon myself immersion in the mikvah).
We have a daughter named Ariel.
The problem is that it was discovered that I have a single umbilical cord instead of the three that are typical in a normal and healthy pregnancy.
All other tests came back normal, but in the latest scan, which is quite advanced, the doctor said he was unable to see and measure one of the hands and that the belly appears a bit small.
I am, of course, very worried.
I thought to name the child Raphael (which means 'Healer is God') as a reference to the healing from Hashem, as this child is a gift from Hashem.
I really love the name, but I understood that the interpretation is not good, implying the child is lazy, etc.
I would appreciate your advice regarding this name and any other suggestions if possible.
(We are Kohanim)

Answer

Good week,

First, let us bless that, with Hashem's help, the pregnancy and birth will be healthy, and that everything will turn out well!

Regarding your question - the name Raphael is mentioned in the Bible (1 Chronicles 26:7), and it is a good name for a boy (Ishut Mordechai, p. 117 in the name of Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu, zt"l), and it is customary in Israel to name children with this name (Names in the Land, p. 39 in the name of Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, zt"l), therefore you may name him without concern.

Bsorot Tovot!

Hillel Meirs


Tags:NamesHebrew namesbaby naming

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