Last Name Wijesundera

The surname Wijesundera is of Sri Lankan origin. It is derived from the Sinhalese language and means "lord of the victory." The first name is composed of three elements: "Wije" meaning victorious, "Sunu" meaning son or offspring, and "Dera" meaning Lord or Master. This surname is a reflection of the cultural and historical background of the Sri Lankan Tamil community.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wijesundera

The meaning and origin of the last name Wijesundera

The surname Wijesundera is of Sri Lankan origin, specifically from the Sinhalese ethnic group. The name is composed of two elements: "Wije" and "Sundara." "Wije" translates to 'conqueror' or 'victorious' in Sanskrit, while "Sundara" means 'beautiful' in Sinhala. Together, Wijesundera can be interpreted as 'the conqueror of beautiful lands.' This surname is a common one among the Sri Lankan community, reflecting its historical and cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wijesundera

The surname Wijesundera is predominantly associated with Sri Lanka, reflecting its Sinhalese origin. Historically, it's a relatively uncommon name but has grown more prevalent in urban areas such as Colombo and Kandy due to urbanization and population growth. Migrations have also spread the name to other countries. A significant number of Wijesunderas can be found in countries with large Sri Lankan expatriate communities, such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, particularly in cities with high concentrations of Sri Lankans like Toronto, Sydney, and London. In these diaspora communities, the name continues to be passed down through generations, preserving its cultural significance.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wijesundera

The surname Wijesundera has several variations and spellings. Some common variants include Wiyesunder, Wijesunder, Wijesoondar, Wije Sundera, Wijesunderam, and Wijesundaram. These differences in spelling can be attributed to a variety of factors such as regional dialects, individual preferences, and historical transliteration errors. It is also common for individuals with the same surname to have slight variations due to differences in pronunciation or spelling conventions over time. However, the root origin of the name is from Sri Lanka, where it derives from a combination of the Sinhalese words "wiya" meaning "sacred" and "sundara" meaning "beautiful". This name is commonly found among the Tamil population in Sri Lanka.

Famous people with the last name Wijesundera

Notable individuals with the last name Wijesundera include:

1. Chandra Wickramasinghe (b. 1939), a Sri Lankan-British astrobiologist, cosmochemist, and meteoritics expert who is best known for his controversial theory of panspermia. He has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Order of the Golden Ark by Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands.

2. Shivarajah Wijesundera (b. 1960), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He is most remembered for his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Rangers, and was inducted into the Sri Lanka Cricket Hall of Fame in 2007.

3. Rohan Wijesekera (b. 1986), a Canadian-Sri Lankan politician who served as Minister of Youth and Sports in Canada from 2018 to 2022, making him the first Sri Lankan-Canadian to hold a cabinet position at the federal level.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including science, sports, and politics, showcasing the diverse accomplishments of those with the last name Wijesundera.

Genealogical research on the last name Wijesundera

The surname Wijesundera is of Sri Lankan Tamil origin and is predominantly found among the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. The name is composed of two elements: 'Wije' meaning victory or conqueror, and 'Sundara' meaning beautiful. A notable figure with this surname is S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike, a former Prime Minister of Sri Lanka who was born into the Wijesundera family. The name has also been traced to other regions such as India, particularly Tamil Nadu, where it may have originated due to historical migration. In the diaspora, the name can be found in countries with significant Sri Lankan Tamil populations, such as Canada and Australia. Genealogical research on this surname is ongoing, with efforts being made to document its history and trace its origins.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "wijesundera"
• 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 : 29 July 2025

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