The surname Rawat is a prominent family name in South Asia, particularly in India. It is commonly associated with Rajputs of Rajasthan, Uttarakhand (Garhwal and Kumaon), and Himachal Pradesh. The name is also used among various communities in the Himalayan regions and carries connotations of nobility and leadership. In Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh the surname is used among Thakurs.
Meaning The surname Rawat is derived from the Sanskrit word "Rajvata," meaning "ruler" or "kingdom."
The word 'Rawat' is a compound where 'Ra' stands for Rajput, 'Va' for Veer (brave), and 'Ta' for Talwar (sword). It symbolizes a Rajput warrior who is brave and skilled with the sword — known as a Rawat Rajput.
Historically, it was used as a title for people who performed exceptionally well in wars or possessed exceptional bravery Over time, it became a hereditary surname passed down through generations.
Notable people
A–M
Amrita Rawat (born 1958), Indian politician
Anupama Rawat (born 1983), Indian politician
Ashok Kumar Rawat (born 1975), Indian politician
Baij Nath Rawat, Indian politician Bhagwan Shankar Rawat (born 1940), Indian politician Bharat Singh Rawat, Indian politician
Brijesh Kumar Rawat (born 1966), Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Dhan Singh Rawat (born 1966), Indian politician Dhan Singh Rawat (Rajasthan politician) (born 1966), Indian politician Dilip Singh Rawat, Indian politician Dinesh Rawat (born 1990), Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Diwan Singh Rawat, Indian academic Durga Bahadur Rawat, Nepali politician Gopal Singh Rawat (1958–2020), Indian civil servant (died 2020)
Gyarsilal Rawat (born 1962), Indian politician Harak Singh Rawat (born 1960), Indian politician Harish Chandra Singh Rawat (1934–2008), Indian mountaineer Harish Rawat (born 1948), 7th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Harisingh Rawat (born 1955), Indian politician Jagat Rawat (born 1974), Indian Film and Television Actor
Karan B. Rawat, Indian cinematographer Kedar Singh Rawat (born 2000), Indian politician Kehar Singh Rawat, Indian politician
Lakshman Singh Rawat (1930–2015), Indian Army general
Mani Singh Rawat, Indian explorer Manish Rawat (born 1984), Indian politician Manish Singh Rawat (born 1991), Indian racewalker Manna Lal Rawat, Indian politician, academic, and social activist Manoj Rawat, Indian politician Meharban Singh Rawat, Indian politician Menuka Rawat (born 1972), Nepalese long-distance runner
N–Y Navaraj Rawat (born 1964), Nepali politician
Nayan Pal Rawat (born 1971), Indian politician Nitendra Singh Rawat (born 1986), Indian marathon runner Om Prakash Rawat (born 1953), 22nd Chief Election Commissioner of India Pradeep Kumar Rawat (born 1950), Indian diplomat Pradeep Rawat (actor) (born 1952), Indian actor Pradeep Rawat (politician) (born 1956), Indian politician
Priyanka Singh Rawat (born 1985), Indian politician
Rajkumar Rawat (born 1967), Indian politician Rajni Rawat, Indian politician
Ram Sagar Rawat (born 1951), Indian politician
Sarla Vijendra Rawat (born 1983), Indian politician
Shailendra Singh Rawat, Indian politician Shakuntala Rawat (born 1968), Indian politician Shankar Singh Rawat (born 1955), Indian politician
Shonal Rawat, Model and TV presenter
Suman Rawat (born 1961), Indian distance runner
Suresh Singh Rawat, Indian politician Tejpal Singh Rawat (born 1925), Indian politician Tirath Singh Rawat (born 1964), 9th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat (born 1960), 8th Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, India Upendra Singh Rawat (born 1969), Indian politician Veena Rawat (born 1945), Indian-born Canadian electrical engineer
See also
References