Zayyat

Zayyat is an Arabic surname and toponym. The spelling varies and includes Zayyat, Zaiyat, and El-Zayat, reflecting common transliteration patterns from Arabic to Latin script. In Arabic onomastics, Zayyat can function as a nisba—denoting a family, lineage, or association—or as a toponym, linking a person to a place or region. The exact origin is often specific to the family and may relate to ancestry, occupation, or locality, but it is generally treated as an indicator of origin or affiliation rather than a given name.

The surname is attested across the Arab world, appearing among individuals in politics, education, business, and culture. As a toponym, Zayyat is also used for places in the Arab world—such as villages or districts—that bear the same linguistic root. In diaspora communities, the name is found among families in Europe, North America, and other regions, where it has been preserved through generations.

Overall, Zayyat is a relatively common Arabic name with dual usage as both a family name and a place-based identifier. Its exact meaning and origin can vary by lineage or locality, reflecting the diverse patterns of Arabic naming practices.