Last Name Jayatilake

The last name Jayatilake is of Sri Lankan origin. It is a Sinhalese surname that is commonly found among the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka. The name "Jayatilake" is a combination of two words: "Jaya," which means victory or success, and "tilake," which means a chief or ruler. Therefore, the last name Jayatilake can be translated to mean "chief of victory" or "ruler of success." It is a common surname among the Sinhalese people and often indicates a noble or prestigious lineage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jayatilake

The meaning and origin of the last name Jayatilake

Jayatilake is a surname of Sri Lankan origin, derived from the Sinhalese words "Jaya" meaning victory and "tilake" meaning mark or sign. The name likely originated from a person or family who was known for their victorious and prominent status in society. It is a common surname among the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and history. The surname may have been passed down through generations, symbolizing the honor and respect associated with the family's achievements. Today, individuals with the surname Jayatilake may continue to uphold their family's legacy by embodying traits of leadership, success, and prosperity in various aspects of their lives.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jayatilake

The last name Jayatilake is most commonly found in Sri Lanka, particularly among the Sinhalese population. It is a prominent surname in the country and is often associated with families of a high social standing. In addition to Sri Lanka, the name can also be found in countries with significant Sri Lankan diaspora communities, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. Due to migration patterns and historical ties, the surname Jayatilake has also been recorded in smaller numbers in countries like India, the United States, and Malaysia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Jayatilake reflects the migration patterns of the Sri Lankan population and the dispersal of families across various regions of the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jayatilake

Jayatilake is a Sri Lankan last name that can be spelled in various ways, including Jayatileke, Jayathilake, Jayatilleke, Jayathilleke, Jayatilaka, Jayatilleka, and Jayathilleka. These variations in spelling are common due to differences in transliteration from Sinhala script to the Roman alphabet. The name Jayatilake is derived from the Sinhalese words "jaya," meaning victory, and "tilake," meaning sign or symbol. This last name is typically found among Sinhalese people, who are the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka. The Jayatilake family may have originated from a specific region or village in Sri Lanka, and their name may have been altered over time as they migrated to different parts of the country or the world.

Famous people with the last name Jayatilake

One of the most famous individuals with the last name Jayatilake is Anagarika Dharmapala, a prominent figure in the Sri Lankan independence movement and a pioneer in the revival of Buddhism in South Asia. His efforts to promote Buddhist education and culture had a lasting impact on the region. Another well-known Jayatilake is Sir James Peiris, a statesman and lawyer who played a key role in the early years of Sri Lanka's independence movement. He was also the first elected mayor of Colombo and is remembered for his contributions to the development of the country. These individuals have left a significant legacy in Sri Lankan history and continue to be celebrated for their dedication to the betterment of their country and its people.

Genealogical research on the last name Jayatilake

The last name Jayatilake is a common surname in Sri Lanka, particularly among the Sinhalese ethnic group. The name is derived from the Sinhala words "Jaya" meaning victory and "tilake" meaning insignia or mark. This suggests that individuals with the last name Jayatilake may have had a significant role in marking or representing victories in battles or conflicts. Genealogical research on the Jayatilake surname would likely reveal a lineage of individuals who were respected or recognized for their achievements or leadership qualities. The surname may also indicate a family that has a long history of military service or involvement in important historical events. Overall, exploring the genealogy of the Jayatilake surname could provide valuable insights into the cultural and historical significance of this name within the Sri Lankan community.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jayatilake"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

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