Last Name Wickramasinghe

The last name "Wickramasinghe" is of Sri Lankan origin. It is derived from the Sinhalese language and consists of three parts: "Wickrama", which means "valor" or "brave"; "Asingha", a title given to Buddhist monks who have achieved great spiritual attainment; and "-he", a common suffix used in Sri Lanka for surnames. The name is often found among the Sinhalese community in Sri Lanka, particularly among those with a religious or royal background.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wickramasinghe

The meaning and origin of the last name Wickramasinghe

The surname Wickramasinghe is a Sinhalese name of Sri Lankan origin. It translates to "Lord Vishnu's Banner" in English, with 'Wickrama' meaning 'banner of Vishnu', a Hindu deity, and 'singhe' denoting 'lion'. This name is often borne by families who claimed descent from kings or chieftains who were considered to have been granted divine protection by Lord Vishnu. The name has been in use among the Sinhalese population of Sri Lanka for centuries and is one of the most common surnames in the country today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wickramasinghe

The last name Wickramasinghe is primarily associated with Sri Lanka, as it originates from the Sinhalese community, which makes up the largest ethnic group on the island nation. Historically, the name has been borne by families who were traditionally landowners or chieftains in Sri Lanka's ancient kingdoms. In more recent times, there is also a significant number of individuals with the surname Wickramasinghe living in various parts of the world due to migration, particularly in countries such as Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and United States, where they have established large Sri Lankan diaspora communities. However, it's important to note that the distribution is heavily concentrated in Sri Lanka.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wickramasinghe

The surname Wickramasinghe is primarily of Sri Lankan origin and has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include:

* Wikramasinghe
* Wickremasinghe
* Wickramasinhe
* Vickramasinghe
* Vikramasinghe
* Wicramasinghe

These differences in spelling often arise due to phonetic transliteration from the Sinhala language, as well as variations in personal preference and historical record keeping. It is important to note that the correct spelling may vary depending on regional dialects and individual family traditions. In English, the standardized version is generally considered to be Wickramasinghe, although other spellings may also be encountered.

Famous people with the last name Wickramasinghe

Notable individuals bearing the surname Wickramasinghe include:

1. Sir Asoka de Silva Wickramasinghe (born 1936), a Sri Lankan civil servant who served as Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office under multiple governments from 1972 to 1998. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1995 for his services to the government of Sri Lanka.

2. S. Vasanthi Wickramasinghe (born 1946), a British-Sri Lankan novelist and short story writer, known for her works exploring cultural identity, exile, and the immigrant experience. She was awarded the Southbank Poetry Prize in 1990 and has published numerous books.

3. Sirima Wickramasinghe (born 1947), a Sri Lankan journalist, author, and women's rights activist who served as the first woman Editor of The Island, a leading English-language newspaper in Sri Lanka. She was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award for Translation in 2013.

4. Chandrika Wickramasinghe (born 1950), a Sri Lankan actress and television presenter who has worked extensively in Sinhala cinema and television. She is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential Award for National Service for her contributions to Sri Lankan cinema.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, ranging from public service, literature, journalism, activism, to acting.

Genealogical research on the last name Wickramasinghe

The Wickramasinghe surname is primarily of Sri Lankan origin, derived from the Sinhala language. Translated, it means "victorious lion king." This last name is common among the Kandyan aristocracy and high-ranking officials in the Kingdom of Kandy, a historic kingdom in central Sri Lanka that existed from the 16th to the 19th century. Notable figures with this surname include Dr. Sarath Wickramasinghe, a prominent Sri Lankan scientist, and Sir Olcott Wickremasinghe, a former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The name is also found among diaspora communities in countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wickramasinghe"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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