Refaat

Refaat is a masculine given name of Arabic origin that is widely used across the Arabic-speaking world and among diaspora communities. It is derived from the Arabic root r-f-‘, meaning to raise, elevate, or exalt; as such, the name is commonly interpreted to mean “exalted” or “noble.” The standard Arabic spelling is رفعت.

In Latin script, several transliterations are common, including Rafaat, Rifaat, Rif’at, Rafet, Raffat, and Refaat. The choice of spelling often reflects regional pronunciation and transliteration conventions. Although primarily a given name, Refaat can occasionally appear as a surname in Arabic-speaking populations.

Geographically, Refaat is particularly common in Egypt and Sudan, with usage also reported in the Levant and North Africa, and among Arab communities abroad. The name appears in modern contexts across politics, science, sports, and the arts, reflecting its broad cultural distribution. Notable individuals bearing variants of the name have contributed to a wide range of public life, illustrating its enduring presence in the Arab world.