Unisex name
Şefaat name meaning
“intercession, especially seeking forgiveness for another”
Şefaat means intercession, especially seeking forgiveness or support on another's behalf. It comes from Arabic shafāʿa and took its Turkish form through Ottoman usage. Used for both girls and boys in Türkiye, it recalls the act of speaking in someone else's favor, an idea also expressed in older literary texts.
What does Şefaat mean?
Intercession, especially seeking forgiveness for another
In Turkish: bağışlanma için aracılık, destek olma
Şefaat is used in Turkish especially for intercession seeking another's forgiveness in a religious context. Its Arabic source occurs in the Quran, and the concept also appears in literature and devotional language; describing this association makes no claim about an individual bearer's beliefs.
Origin of the name Şefaat
From Arabic shafāʿa, “intercession” or a plea on another's behalf. It entered Turkish through Ottoman Turkish as şefaat.
| Linguistic origin | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Naming tradition | Islamic |
| In Islamic history | Names found in the Quran |
| Is Şefaat in the Quran? | As a word · شفاعة · 2:254The Arabic word شفاعة occurs in the Quran as a common noun meaning intercession, rather than a proper name. |
| Starts with | Ş · Şe |
Names are shared across communities. Where a name is common says nothing certain about any one person’s background, faith or origin.
How to pronounce Şefaat
| Syllables | 3 · 6 letters · 6-letter boy names |
|---|---|
| IPA | /ʃefaat/ |
| Ottoman Turkish | شفاعت |
| Arabic | شفاعة |
Is Şefaat a boy’s or a girl’s name?
Şefaat is used for both boys and girls. See all unisex names.
Şefaat does not appear in TÜİK’s top-30 lists (Türkiye and provinces, up to 2025).
Spellings and similar names
Names that sound like Şefaat
Names with related meanings
- Ensar♂Helpers, supporters
- Abdurrahman♂Servant of the Most Merciful
- Semih♂Generous, open-handed and tolerant
- Halime♀Gentle, patient, forbearing
- Asiye♀One who consoles or soothes suffering
- Mihriban♀Affectionate, compassionate and kindly
- Rahmi♂Associated with mercy and compassion
- Mazlum♂Someone subjected to oppression or injustice
- Şefik♂Compassionate, affectionate, caring
- Rafet♂Compassion
- Semiha♀Generous, open-handed
- Atıf♂Compassionate
FAQ about the name Şefaat
What is the meaning of Şefaat?
Şefaat means “intercession, especially seeking forgiveness for another”. From Arabic shafāʿa, “intercession” or a plea on another's behalf. It entered Turkish through Ottoman Turkish as şefaat.
Is Şefaat a boy’s or a girl’s name?
Şefaat is used for both boys and girls.
Is Şefaat in the Quran?
As a word. The Arabic word شفاعة occurs in the Quran as a common noun meaning intercession, rather than a proper name. (e.g.: 2:254)
What is the origin of the name Şefaat?
Şefaat is of Arabic origin.
How many syllables does Şefaat have?
Şefaat has 3 syllables and 6 letters.
How popular is the name Şefaat?
Şefaat does not appear in TÜİK’s top-30 lists (Türkiye and provinces, up to 2025).
Sources and method
Meanings and origins draw on language sources and name dictionaries; popularity figures come from TÜİK’s address-based population register, and notable people from Wikidata.
Entry ID: nm09364 · Updated 2026-10-24 · How we research names · Report a mistake