The German pronunciation, if I am not mistaken, would be Rah-fahn. The "A"s should side closer to that found at the beginning of Astronaut.
With RAY-fin, though, the sound creates the thought of someone 'kre8tivlee' altering Raven (another name that does not appeal), and thus being voguish.
What is my opinion? It is certainly not something that I would lose much sleep over (it holds an evolving charm and adept proficiency, after all, with the right pronunciation), but it is also not something that I would necessary enthusiastically support.
While Raphan wouldn't be "trendy" in the true sense, the contour and anatomy strongly resemble modish name construction and taste.
- Francesca
This message was edited 4/26/2012, 9:41 AM