Last Name Wickrama

The surname Wickrama is of Sinhalese origin, which is a South Asian language predominantly spoken by the Sinhala people in Sri Lanka. The name "Wickrama" translates to "victory" or "conqueror" in English, and it is often associated with royalty and nobility in Sri Lanka's ancient kingdoms. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "Vikramaditya," which was a name used by several historical rulers across India and Southeast Asia, including some kings of the ancient Sinhalese kingdoms in Sri Lanka. The name Wickrama may have been given to members of the aristocracy or those who held significant positions in these ancient kingdoms. It is important to note that surnames were not a common practice in many parts of Asia, including Sri Lanka, until the arrival of European colonizers. Therefore, the use and distribution of the Wickrama name may have been influenced by the adoption of Western naming conventions during colonial times.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wickrama

The meaning and origin of the last name Wickrama

The surname Wickrama is of Sinhalese origin, which is primarily used among Sri Lankan individuals. The name derives from the Sinhala language, where "Wickra" means 'power' or 'might', and "-ma" is a suffix often used in Sinhalese names to denote respect or reverence. Thus, Wickrama translates roughly to 'one with great power'.

The name has roots deep within the history of Sri Lanka, particularly among the royal families and noble lineages. It is believed that the name Wickrama was bestowed upon individuals who demonstrated exceptional strength, leadership, or valor in various periods throughout the country's rich history. Today, it continues to be a popular surname among Sri Lankan communities worldwide, showcasing the legacy of its historical significance.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wickrama

The last name Wickrama is predominantly found in Sri Lanka, reflecting its Sinhalese origin. It is one of the notable surnames among the Sinhala population, a majority ethnic group in the country. Additionally, there are smaller populations of individuals with this last name in other parts of the world, particularly countries with significant Sri Lankan expatriate communities such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. However, compared to its prevalence in Sri Lanka, Wickrama is relatively less common in these international communities. It should be noted that, like many Asian names, Wickrama often does not follow a typical Western naming pattern and may appear in various forms depending on the region and personal preference.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wickrama

The surname Wickrama has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and regional pronunciation. Some common variations include Wickremaratne, Wickramasinghe, Wickremaarachchi, Wickramage, Wickramaratne, and Wickremeratne. These variations primarily arise from the use of different scripts such as Sinhala, Tamil, or English to write the name, and from differences in spelling conventions over time. In addition, some individuals may have altered their surname for personal or professional reasons, leading to further variations. It's essential to note that these variations do not indicate a difference in family descent or origin but rather represent different phonetic interpretations of the same name.

Famous people with the last name Wickrama

Notable individuals with the surname Wickramaratne include:

1. Ranil Wickremesinghe: A Sri Lankan politician who served as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka six times, including his latest term starting in May 2022. He has been a member of parliament since 1977 and was the Leader of the Opposition from 2004 to 2015.

2. Kishali Pinto-Jayawardena: A Sri Lankan human rights lawyer, academic, journalist, and author who is known for her work on media freedom, constitutional law, and gender issues in Sri Lanka. She has been recognized with several awards for her contributions to the legal profession and human rights advocacy.

3. Senerath Paranavitana: A Sri Lankan archaeologist, historian, and polymath who was a significant figure in the early development of archaeology and history in Sri Lanka during the British colonial period. He made many important discoveries and contributions to the field, including the translation of the Mahavamsa, one of the most important historical texts in Sri Lanka.

4. Vijitha Obeysekera Wickramaratne: A Sri Lankan academic, lawyer, and politician who served as a Cabinet Minister in the Sri Lankan government. He was a professor at the University of Colombo and was known for his expertise in constitutional law and human rights issues.

5. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera: A Sri Lankan statesman, economist, and politician who served as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka from 1977 to 1978. He was a key figure in the development of Sri Lanka's economic policy during the 1960s and 1970s and played a significant role in the establishment of the Open Economy Policy.

Genealogical research on the last name Wickrama

The surname Wickrama is of Sri Lankan origin and is commonly found among Tamil families. It is derived from the Tamil language, where "wickramaraya" translates to "Lord of Valor." The name has been anglicized over time into Wickrama. Notable figures with this surname include Sir C.W. Wickramasinghe, a prominent Sri Lankan scientist and politician, and Vijaya Wickremasinghe, a notable Sri Lankan musician. In genealogical records, variations of the name can be found such as Wickramasinha, Wickramaratne, and Wickramasinghe. The family's history dates back to medieval times in Sri Lanka, with the name gaining prominence during the Kandyan Kingdom era. Genealogical research indicates that many Wickrama descendants have migrated from Sri Lanka to various countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United States, where the name continues to be passed down through generations.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wickrama"
• 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 : 25 July 2025

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