Raife is a masculine given name (pronounced ''rayf''). It is an English, Scandinavian and German given name for a male, used in many countries across the world but most popular in English-speaking countries. It is of Old Norse origin (meaning "counsel of the wolf" or "wise wolf"), derived from the Old Norse Raðulfr (rað "counsel" + ulfr "wolf") through Old English Rædwulf.
It is a spelling representation of the traditional pronunciation of the name Ralph, a pronunciation now largely restricted to the upper classes. It is recognised with Rafe in the Oxford English Dictionary of Names.
In 2016, Raife was listed at 790th most popular boys name in the U.K.
In 2017, Raife rose to 606th in the U.K. rankings.
In 2018, the name increased in popularity and rose in the ranks again to position 557th.
Notable people with the name include:
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Raife Wellsted
Raife William Wellsted (21 July 1929 – 9 August 2012)Birch, Brian. (2013) Biographies of Philatelists and Dealers'. 13th edition. Standish, Wigan: Brian Birch, p. 2530. was a British philatelist who was added to the Roll of Distinguished Phila ...
(1929–2012), British philatelist
See also
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Ralph
Ralph (pronounced ; or ,) is a male given name of English, Scottish and Irish origin, derived from the Old English ''Rædwulf'' and Radulf, cognate with the Old Norse ''Raðulfr'' (''rað'' "counsel" and ''ulfr'' "wolf").
The most common forms ...
References
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Given names
English masculine given names