Ridouan

Ridouan is a masculine given name of Arabic origin, used primarily in Morocco and among Maghrebi communities in Europe. It is a variant of Ridwan (رضوان) and has related spellings such as Ridouane, Ridwan, Redouane, and Ridaoune. The etymology is linked to the Arabic term Ridwan, commonly interpreted as “divine pleasure” or “satisfaction,” and the name is often associated with blessing or approval in Islamic contexts.

In usage, Ridouan is especially common in Morocco and among diaspora communities with Moroccan or Algerian heritage. It is found in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada, and other countries where migrants from North Africa have settled. Spellings vary by language and country, reflecting French and Dutch transliteration patterns.

Notable people named Ridouan include Ridouan Taghi, a Dutch-Moroccan figure widely described as a leading organizer of criminal networks in the Netherlands and associated with the Mocro-mafia. The name is borne by others as well, across various professions, but Ridouan Taghi is the most widely cited in international media. Overall, Ridouan remains a recognized given name with cultural ties to Arabic-speaking communities and North African heritage.