What is the origin of the last name Wickrama-arachchige?
The surname Wickrama-arachchige is of Sri Lankan origin. It is a Tamil Sinhalese patronymic and a toponymic name that is derived from two elements: "Wickrama" which means hero or warrior, and "Arachchige", which refers to someone who comes from the village or region called Arachchi in Sri Lanka. As with many surnames in Sri Lanka, it was traditionally a hereditary name passed down through generations and often associated with a particular caste, occupation, or location. However, it's important to note that family names have evolved over time, and their original meanings may not always be exactly as they were originally intended.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Wickrama-arachchige
The meaning and origin of the last name Wickrama-arachchige
The name Wickrama-arachchige is of Sinhalese origin, specifically from Sri Lanka. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name or title 'Wickrema' and 'Arachchi', which are titles traditionally bestowed upon certain Sri Lankan nobles, warriors, and administrative officials. The term 'Wickrema' translates to 'conqueror' in Sinhalese, while 'Arachchi' signifies a 'headman' or 'chief'. Therefore, the surname Wickrama-arachchige would have been given to individuals who held these significant roles within Sri Lankan society. The name reflects the country's rich history and its caste system that has existed for centuries.
Geographical distribution of the last name Wickrama-arachchige
The last name Wickrama-Arachchige is primarily distributed within Sri Lanka, with significant concentrations found among the Sinhalese ethnic group. Historically, the name originates from the Kandyan Kingdom, which was the last independent kingdom in Sri Lanka before it was taken over by the British in 1815. The Wickrama-Arachchige surname often includes elements that reflect a family's occupation, geographical location, or patronage, as is common in traditional Sri Lankan naming conventions. While predominantly found in Sri Lanka, there are also small communities of Sri Lankan Tamil migrants and expatriates who may carry the Wickrama-Arachchige surname in countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Variants and spellings of the last name Wickrama-arachchige
The surname Wickrama-Arachchige possesses several variations and spellings due to differences in transcribing and transliteration from Sinhala to English. Some common variants include Wickramarachchi, Wickremaarachchi, Wickremarachchi, Wickramaratne, Wickremaratne, Wickramasinghe, Wickremsinghe, and Wickramasuriya. These variations can arise from regional dialects, phonetic interpretations, or historical influences. The original Sinhala name is වික්ණමසීරිය, pronounced as "Vikumasiriya," but it has been adapted and anglicized over time to form the aforementioned versions.
Famous people with the last name Wickrama-arachchige
Notable individuals bearing the last name Wickramarachchi include:
1. Chamari Wickramasinghe - A Sri Lankan long jumper who won the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and set the national record in long jump with a leap of 6.76 meters.
2. Shaminda Wickramarachchi - A Sri Lankan first-class cricketer who plays for Moors Sports Club as a left-arm orthodox spin bowler. He made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2011.
3. Thilina Wickramarachchi - A Sri Lankan badminton player, who won the mixed doubles gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games alongside Kavindi Irivimese. He also represented Sri Lanka at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
4. Ruvindu Wickramarachchi - A Sri Lankan cricketer who plays for Moors Sports Club as a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast bowler. He made his international debut against Pakistan in 2020.
Genealogical research on the last name Wickrama-arachchige
The Wickrama-Arachchige lineage is of Sri Lankan Tamil origin, with roots traced back to the ancient Jaffna Kingdom. The surname is derived from two components: "Wickrama" which translates to 'valour' or 'victory', and "Arachchige," meaning 'born in Arachchi' - a village in the Jaffna peninsula. Over centuries, several notable figures bearing this name have emerged, including scholars, politicians, and religious leaders. Notable individuals include Ven. Wickrama Arachchi Thero, a renowned Buddhist monk known for his contributions to education and religion during the 19th century. In modern times, D.W. Wickremaratne Arachchige served as the Chief Minister of Northern Province in Sri Lanka from 2013 to 2018. The Wickrama-Arachchige lineage has a rich history that intertwines with the cultural and political fabric of Sri Lanka's Tamil community.
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.
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