Raffaela is a very pretty name and it makes me think of a dark haired young woman with a good sense of humor and responsibility. It's not overly used in Germany, I know exactly one girl with this name. I think Raffi would be a cute nickname.
-- Anonymous User 7/17/2009
I first came across this name in Melina Marchetta's novel (On the) Jellicoe Road. Disclaimer: AMAZING book.
After saying it aloud a couple times, I really like this name. Uncommon (but not stupid), and very pretty. And I think the nickname Raffy would be adorable.