Liam vs Rafe

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Liam

Boy #1 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"strong-willed warrior"

Origin: Irish

Cultural Roots

Irish English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1
Total SSA Count
22,164
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Lee

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Liam →

Rafe

Boy #1,311 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"God has healed"

Origin: Hebrew via English

Cultural Roots

English British Jewish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#1,311
Total SSA Count
148
Syllables
1
Formality
Formal

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Rafe →

Popularity Comparison

Liam Rank #1
Rafe Rank #1,311

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 vs #1311 for Rafe.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Liam ___

  • Liam James
  • Liam Alexander
  • Liam Thomas
  • Liam Michael
  • Liam Patrick
  • Liam Joseph

Rafe ___

  • Rafe Edward
  • Rafe Henry
  • Rafe James
  • Rafe William
  • Rafe Oliver
  • Rafe George

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Liam

Olivia Emma Noah Charlotte Sophia

If you choose Rafe

Hugo Otto Felix Cecily Imogen

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Liam or Rafe more popular?

Liam is more popular, ranked #1 compared to Rafe at #1311 in the United States.

What do Liam and Rafe mean?

Liam means "strong-willed warrior" (Irish origin). Rafe means "God has healed" (Hebrew via English origin).

Are Liam and Rafe boy or girl names?

Liam is primarily a boy name. Rafe is primarily a boy name.

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