Rafferty Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationRAF-er-tee / /ˈræf.ər.ti/Irish; Gaelic
Meaning
Irish: 'prosperity' or 'wealth'; Gaelic: 'ruler' or 'leader'
Historical & Cultural Background
Rafferty is an Irish surname that has been used as a given name. It is derived from the Gaelic name 'O'Raifeartaigh', which means 'descendant of Raifeartach'. The name has historical significance in Ireland, often associated with nobility and leadership. It has gained popularity as a first name in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Trend Summary
Rafferty has seen a gradual increase in popularity as a baby name in the United States over the past decade.
Similar Names
Variants
- Raff
- Raffy
International Variants
- Rafferty (English)
Famous people named Rafferty
Rafferty Law is a British actor and model known for his work in film and television.
Rafferty Baker is a notable figure in the field of sports management.
Rafferty McGowan is an emerging artist recognized for his contributions to contemporary art.
Fictional characters named Rafferty
Rafferty is a character in the novel 'The Last Policeman' by Ben H. Winters, serving as a detective.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Rafferty was first seen in the United States in 1987. Rafferty has ranked as high as #1341 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in California. In the past 5 years the name Rafferty has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Rafferty (2015)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1987 | 5 |
| 1989 | 5 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1998 | 5 |
| 2002 | 5 |
| 2004 | 6 |
| 2005 | 13 |
| 2006 | 13 |
| 2007 | 10 |
| 2008 | 13 |
| 2009 | 11 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 12 |
| 2012 | 6 |
| 2013 | 12 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2017 | 10 |
| 2018 | 6 |
| 2019 | 9 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 19 |