The name Raghib first appeared in the U.S. baby name data in 1990:
- 1992: unlisted
- 1991: 10 baby boys named Raghib
- 1990: 10 baby boys named Raghib [debut]
- 1989: unlisted
- 1988: unlisted
It remained for just one more year before disappearing again.
What was the influence?
College football player Raghib Ismail (pronounced RAHG-ib ISS-my-el), who was a wide receiver and kick returner for Notre Dame for three seasons (1988-1990).
Popularly known as “The Rocket,” he was a finalist for the 1990 Heisman Trophy and the “only college football player among the finalists for the 1990 Sullivan Award as the best amateur athlete in the nation.” He also made the cover of Sports Illustrated twice (in 1989 and 1991).
Though Raghib was called “Rocket” constantly, he didn’t have any affect on the baby name Rocket, which didn’t start popping up in the data until a decade later.
He went on to play professional football in both Canada (1991-1992) and America (1993-2001).
What are your thoughts on the baby name Raghib?
Sources:
- Murphy, Austin. “Rocket Launch.” Sports Illustrated 25 Feb. 1991.
- Raghib Ismail Selected to College Football Hall of Fame
- Raghib Ismail – Wikipedia
Image: © 1989 Sports Illustrated