Last Name Jayasekera

The surname Jayasekera is of Sinhalese origin, which is one of the major ethnic groups in Sri Lanka. The name is derived from two components: "Jaya" meaning victory or conqueror, and "Sekara" which can be interpreted as a title indicating a noble or a scholar. It's common among Sri Lankan families, particularly those with Sinhalese ancestry. However, it's important to note that the exact origin and history of each specific Jayasekera family may vary due to the passage of time, migrations, and assimilation of different cultures.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jayasekera

The meaning and origin of the last name Jayasekera

The surname Jayasekera is of Sinhalese origin, predominantly found among Sri Lankan families of Sinhalese ethnicity. The name is derived from two components: "Jaya," meaning victory or conqueror, and "sekera," which refers to a lion. Therefore, the name Jayasekera translates to one who is like a victorious lion or a conquering lion. It's a traditional Sri Lankan name that has been passed down through generations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Sinhalese people. The specific origin of the surname for individual families may vary based on their regional and historical context within Sri Lanka.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jayasekera

The surname Jayasekera is primarily found within Sri Lanka, with a significant concentration among the Sinhalese population, who constitute the largest ethnic group on the island. Historically, the name is believed to have originated from the southern region of Galle, where many families trace their lineage. However, over time, Jayasekera has also appeared in other parts of Sri Lanka due to migration and cultural exchange. There are smaller communities bearing this surname in countries with significant Sri Lankan diaspora populations, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and the United States. This suggests a geographical dispersion from the original source, reflecting both historical migrations and global connections among people of Sri Lankan heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jayasekera

The surname Jayasekera has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration. Here are some common versions:

1. Jayasekera - This is one of the most common variations, with "e" added after "a" in the second syllable.
2. Jayasekara - Another variation where an "a" is added at the end.
3. Jayasinghe - This is a different last name that shares similar origins but has a slightly different spelling.
4. Jayasuriya - A less common variant, though it may be found among Sri Lankan families with similar roots.
5. Jayawardena - Another distinct surname, although it also originates from Sri Lanka and may have some shared ancestry.
6. Jayatilleke - This variation is less common but still found among some families with origins in Sri Lanka.
7. Jayasuriarajah - A rarer version that adds "raja" to the end, which translates to "king" in Tamil.
8. Jayaweera - A spelling variation where the final syllable is pronounced differently.

Famous people with the last name Jayasekera

Prominent individuals with the surname Jayasekera hail from diverse fields, demonstrating their versatility and achievements globally. In the realm of academia, Sirisena Cooray Jayasekera, a Sri Lankan mathematician, is recognized for his contributions to combinatorial theory and mathematical education. In the world of literature, Shyam Selvadurai, a Sri Lankan-Canadian author, gained recognition with his novel Funny Boy which explores themes of identity, sexuality, and cultural conflict in Sri Lanka during the 1970s and 80s. In music, Suren Jayasekera is a renowned conductor who has led orchestras worldwide, including the Boston Pops and the National Symphony Orchestra. Lastly, Dr. Indika Jayasekera, a scientist from Sri Lanka, has made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the study of protein folding and misfolding diseases.

Genealogical research on the last name Jayasekera

The surname Jayasekera is of Sri Lankan origin and is predominantly found among Sinhalese families. The name is derived from two Sinhala words: "Jaya" meaning victory, and "sekara" meaning temple or shrine, implying someone who resides near a victorious temple or shrine. The first known records of the Jayasekera family date back to the Kandyan Kingdom era in Sri Lanka, around the 18th century. Notable individuals with the name include Rev. Fr. Denzil Jayasekera, a prominent Sri Lankan catholic priest and author, and Dr. Ranjith Jayawardena-Jayasekera, a well-known Sri Lankan academic and politician. The family's roots are primarily traced to the central and southern regions of Sri Lanka.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jayasekera"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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