Last Name Jeyarasa

The surname Jeyarasa is of Tamil origin, predominantly found among Tamils from Sri Lanka. The name consists of two elements: "Jeeva" meaning life or soul, and "Rasa," which can be interpreted as essence or flavor. Therefore, the name Jeyarasa can be loosely translated as "Essence/Flavor of Life." The Tamil people are an ethnic group native to India and Sri Lanka who speak the Dravidian language known as Tamil. The Tamil-speaking regions in both countries have been inhabited since prehistoric times, with a written record dating back over 2000 years. During this time, surnames began to be used as a way of distinguishing between families and clans within the community. The specific origin of the Jeyarasa surname, like many Tamil names, is difficult to trace due to the lack of comprehensive historical records. However, it is clear that the name belongs to the rich cultural heritage of the Tamil people, dating back to ancient times.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jeyarasa

The meaning and origin of the last name Jeyarasa

The surname Jeyarasa is of Sri Lankan Tamil origin, specifically from the country's Tamil-speaking community. The name can be broken down into two parts: "Jeya" and "Rasa." "Jeya" means victory in Tamil, while "Rasa" translates to joy or delight. Therefore, Jeyarasa can be interpreted as a name that signifies victory with great joy or delight. The name likely emerged as a result of historical events or personal achievements that brought great joy and victory to the family it was given to, reflecting the cultural tradition of naming children after significant moments in one's life.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jeyarasa

The surname Jeyarasa is predominantly found among the Tamil population of Sri Lanka, particularly in the northern and eastern provinces, which have a significant Tamil minority. These regions include Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mannar, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara. Smaller populations may also be found in diaspora communities, primarily in countries with large Sri Lankan Tamil populations such as India, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. However, it's important to note that the distribution can vary significantly depending on factors like migration patterns, intermarriage, and historical events.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jeyarasa

The last name Jeyarasa has several variations and spelling alternatives due to differences in transliteration and regional dialects. Some common variants include:

1. Jayarajah
2. Jayaratne
3. Jayasinghe
4. Jeewarasa
5. Jayawickrama
6. Jayasuriya
7. Jeyarathna
8. Jayakody
9. Jayawardena
10. Jeyaratnam

These variations are derived from the Tamil name "Jeyarajan," which translates to "Lord Raja" in English, and reflect the cultural diversity and historical influences of Sri Lanka, where the name originated. It is important to note that the correct spelling of a person's name may depend on personal preference or family tradition rather than strict phonetic translation.

Famous people with the last name Jeyarasa

Roshan Jeyarasa is a well-known figure in the field of Sri Lankan cinema. He is an award-winning cinematographer who has worked on numerous critically acclaimed films, including "Wedu Wedu" and "Hansa". His work has been recognized both locally and internationally, earning him several awards such as the Presidential Award for National Film Festival and the Special Jury Prize at the Colombo International Film Festival. Another notable figure is Dr. Vijaya Jeyaratnam, a British-Sri Lankan historian and political analyst who served as leader of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) in the United Kingdom. She is known for her extensive research on Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict and has authored several books on the topic. Lastly, Suren Jeyarajah is a Canadian journalist and former anchor for CBC News Network. He has received numerous awards for his work, including a Gemini Award for Best News Anchor.

Genealogical research on the last name Jeyarasa

The Jeyarasa surname is primarily of Sri Lankan Tamil origin and translates to "victorious king" in Tamil language. Historically, it is believed that this name may have been given as a mark of respect or admiration for a warrior or ruler. The name Jeyarasa has been recorded in various forms throughout the centuries due to differences in spelling and translation across regions and historical periods. Notable figures with this surname include Nallathamby Jeyarasa, a Sri Lankan politician who served as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government from 1982 to 1983, and Ganesh Jeyaraj, a Canadian actor. The genealogy of the Jeyarasa family is predominantly traced within Sri Lanka's Tamil communities, with many descendants living in the Northern and Eastern provinces of the country.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "jeyarasa"
• 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 : 26 July 2025

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