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Last Name Wettasinghe

What is the origin of the last name Wettasinghe?

The surname Wettasinghe is of Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) origin and belongs to the Goyigama caste, one of the five main caste groups in Sri Lanka. It's derived from the ancient Sinhalese term "Wessa," which means king, and "Gaha," meaning fort or kingdom, forming the word "Wessagira." Over time, it evolved into Wettasinghe, a common surname among Sri Lankan families. It's important to note that the caste system in Sri Lanka has been a significant aspect of the country's social structure for centuries, though its influence has lessened in recent times. The Goyigama caste, which the Wettasinghe family historically belonged to, is associated with warrior and administrative roles in ancient Sri Lankan society. However, it's essential to remember that ethnic origins and surnames do not define an individual or their personal identity. Each person carries a unique history, experiences, and cultural influences that shape who they are today.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wettasinghe

The meaning and origin of the last name Wettasinghe

The surname Wettasinghe is a Sinhalese name of Sri Lankan origin, belonging to the Kshatriya caste. It is derived from the Sanskrit "Veerasena," which means "brave lion." Over time, it has evolved into various spellings, including Vetasinghe, Wijesinghe, and Weerasinghe. The name is often associated with historical figures in Sri Lanka's royalty and aristocracy. For instance, the Wettasinghe family was a significant ruling dynasty during the Kandyan Kingdom era, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th century. Today, the surname Wettasinghe is quite common among Sinhalese Sri Lankans and can be found in various parts of the world due to migration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wettasinghe

The last name Wettasinghe primarily originates from Sri Lanka, with a significant concentration in the Sinhalese-majority regions, particularly in the southwestern province, specifically Galle and Colombo districts. It is derived from the Sinhalese language and is associated with the occupations related to the administrative or military service during the ancient Kingdom of Kandy. Over time, members of the Wettasinghe family have emigrated and can now be found in various parts of the world, notably Canada, Australia, United States, and the United Kingdom, where they maintain a strong cultural identity, often participating in Sri Lankan Tamil communities or organizations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wettasinghe

The surname Wettasinghe, also spelled as Wetasinghe, Wettaasinghe, and Wittasinghe, is of Sinhalese origin from Sri Lanka. It is derived from the personal name "Wettha," meaning lion, combined with the suffix "-ingha," meaning servant or follower. Variations in the spelling can be attributed to differences in transliteration and phonetic interpretation over time. These variations serve as evidence of the diverse backgrounds and influences that have shaped this last name throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Wettasinghe

Prominent individuals bearing the last name Wettasinghe hail predominantly from Sri Lanka, demonstrating a rich heritage and contributions to various fields. One notable figure is Chamari Wettasinghe, a decorated athlete who represented Sri Lanka in multiple Olympics for long jump and triple jump events. Another notable individual is Rohan Wettasinghe, a renowned physician specializing in pediatrics, known for his work at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States. In the realm of academia, Arjuna Wettasinghe is recognized as a Professor of Engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla. These individuals exemplify the diversity and accomplishments within the Wettasinghe family name across sport, medicine, and academia.

Genealogical research on the last name Wettasinghe

The Wettasinghe surname is of Sinhalese origin and is commonly found among Sri Lankan families. The name is believed to be derived from the title "Wettha Singha," which translates to "Lion King" in Sinhala, a historical title used by ancient Sri Lankan rulers. One of the earliest known records of the Wettasinghe family dates back to the 13th century during the reign of King Parakramabahu III. The family's prominence continued through the Kandyan Kingdom era and into British colonial rule. Notable figures bearing the Wettasinghe name include Sir Solomon Dias-Bandaranaike, a prominent politician who served as Sri Lanka's first Minister of Health, and Dr. Nihal Jayawardena Wettasinghe, a renowned scientist and academic. The Wettasinghes have also made significant contributions to Sri Lankan literature, art, and politics throughout history.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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 : 25 July 2025

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