Rafer

Rafer is a relatively uncommon name with roots in Old English. It is believed to be a diminutive or a variant of names like Ralph or Raphael. The element 'raed' in Old English means 'counsel' or 'advice,' while 'here' means 'army' or 'warrior.' However, in the context of Rafer, it is often associated with the Old Norse name Ráðulfr, which combines 'ráð' (counsel) and 'úlfr' (wolf), or the Old English 'Hrædwulf' (swift wolf). The 'fer' ending might be a contracted form of 'fere' meaning 'companion' or 'traveler,' or it could be a phonetic simplification over time.

The name gained some recognition in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, largely due to the fame of Rafer Johnson, an Olympic decathlete. Despite its historical roots, Rafer has never achieved widespread popularity and remains a distinctive choice.