rahal

Rahal is a surname and, less commonly, a place name. It is of Arabic origin and is found among Arabic-speaking communities as well as in the global diaspora. The name is also encountered as a geographic label in various countries, reflecting historical settlement patterns and local transliteration practices. Etymology often connects Rahal to the Arabic root raḥala, related to traveling or departing, though spellings and meanings vary by language and region.

Notable people with the surname include Bobby Rahal (born 1945), an American former professional race car driver who later founded Rahal Letterman Racing. His son, Graham Rahal (born 1989), is an American IndyCar driver who competes for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Both figures are prominent in motorsport and have contributed to the sport through driving and team leadership.

Beyond individuals, Rahal appears in geographic contexts as the name of villages or localities in parts of the Middle East and South Asia, typically arising from local languages and transliteration practices. In culture and media, the name is primarily encountered as a family surname rather than a common noun or term with a separate meaning.

The surname shows several transliterations, including Rahal and Rahāl, depending on linguistic and script conventions (Latin, Arabic, Persian, etc.). As with many surnames, its distribution reflects patterns of migration, historical ties, and globalization, with presence in North America, Europe, the Gulf region, and the Indian subcontinent.