NameCensus.

UK surname

Ratnayake

A Sinhalese surname meaning "ratna" (gem or jewel) and "ayaka" (chief or leader).

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Harrow, Hounslow and Brent.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Ratnayake is 208 in 2013. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

203

2016, ranked #19,396

Peak year

2013

208 bearers

Map years

3

1998 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 203 in 2016, ranked #19,396.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Ratnayake surname distribution map

The map shows where the Ratnayake surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Ratnayake surname density by area, 2016 modern.

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Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Ratnayake over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1997 modern 105 #26,188
1998 modern 107 #26,555
1999 modern 99 #27,906
2000 modern 106 #26,848
2001 modern 108 #26,184
2002 modern 121 #24,984
2003 modern 120 #24,909
2004 modern 129 #24,019
2005 modern 155 #21,318
2006 modern 146 #22,320
2007 modern 154 #21,804
2008 modern 163 #21,238
2009 modern 171 #21,024
2010 modern 204 #19,200
2011 modern 191 #19,871
2012 modern 202 #19,084
2013 modern 208 #19,041
2014 modern 205 #19,375
2015 modern 202 #19,433
2016 modern 203 #19,396

Geography

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Where Ratnayakes are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Harrow, Hounslow and Brent. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Harrow 027 Harrow
2 Hounslow 025 Hounslow
3 Brent 025 Brent
4 Harrow 020 Harrow
5 Hounslow 018 Hounslow

Forenames

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First names often paired with Ratnayake

These lists show first names that appear often with the Ratnayake surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Ratnayake

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Ratnayake, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Ratnayake surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Ratnayake household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Suburban Asian Communities

Group

Settled Semi-Detached Asians

Within London, Ratnayake is most associated with areas classed as Settled Semi-Detached Asians, part of Suburban Asian Communities. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

These residents share Supergroup characteristics of large (non-Chinese) Asian populations but those identifying as Bangladeshi are notably absent. Many residents were born in the UK, while other more recent migrants have African birthplaces. Semi-detached housing, much of it owner occupied, prevails in these suburban residential locations.

Wider London pattern

Many residents of these neighbourhoods are of (non-Chinese) Asian descent, with many identifying as Indian, Pakistani or Bangladeshi. Neighbourhoods are located across large areas of suburban west, north-east and south London. Detached, semi-detached and terraced houses are more prevalent than flats and socially rented housing is uncommon. Few residents live in communal establishments. Many families have dependent children, sometimes in overcrowded accommodation, and few households are ethnically mixed. Marriage rates are above the London average. The even age distribution, relative absence of individuals living alone and frequent incidence of households with children suggests that multi-generation households may be relatively common. Employment is often in skilled trades, elementary, sales and customer service occupations, and roles as process, plant, and machine operatives. Manufacturing and construction are well represented, along with employment in distribution, hotels, and restaurants. Many adults have only level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. English is not used at home by some residents. Religious affiliation is above average.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Ratnayake is most concentrated in decile 10 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname towards the healthier end of the index.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

10
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Ratnayake falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Ratnayake is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 50-60 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

8
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
Asian - Indian

This describes the area pattern most associated with Ratnayake, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Ratnayake

The surname "RATNAYAKE" has its origins in Sri Lanka, deriving from the Sinhalese language. It is believed to have emerged during the medieval period, around the 13th or 14th century, when surnames were becoming more prevalent in the region.

The name "RATNAYAKE" is composed of two elements: "Ratna," meaning "gem" or "precious stone," and "Yake," which is a suffix indicating a person or an individual. Thus, the name can be interpreted as "one who is associated with gems or precious stones," potentially referring to an occupation or trade in the gem industry.

Historical records suggest that the name was particularly common in the central and southern regions of Sri Lanka, where gem mining and trade have been significant industries for centuries. Some of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in ancient Sinhalese manuscripts and inscriptions from the Kandyan Kingdom, which ruled parts of the island from the 15th to the 19th century.

One notable individual bearing the surname "RATNAYAKE" was Don Juan Ratnayake, a prominent Sinhalese chieftain who lived in the late 16th century. He played a crucial role in the resistance against Portuguese colonial rule in Sri Lanka and is remembered as a patriotic leader who fought for the island's independence.

Another notable figure was Mudaliyar Don Philip Ratnayake, who served as the Mudaliyar (a high-ranking administrative position) of the Matara District in the early 19th century during the British colonial period. He was known for his efforts in promoting education and infrastructure development in the region.

In the 20th century, Sir Susantha Ratnayake (1896-1968) was a prominent Sinhalese lawyer and judge who served as the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka from 1954 to 1960. He played a significant role in shaping the country's legal system and is remembered for his integrity and commitment to upholding the rule of law.

Mervyn Ratnayake (1935-2018) was a distinguished Sri Lankan diplomat who served as the country's Ambassador to several nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union. He was widely respected for his diplomatic skills and contributions to fostering international relations.

Lastly, Arjuna Ratnayake (born 1964) is a prominent Sri Lankan cricketer who represented the national team in both Test and One Day International matches. He was an accomplished all-rounder and is considered one of the best cricketers to have played for Sri Lanka.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Ratnayake surname: questions and answers

How common is the Ratnayake surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 203 in 2016. That gives Ratnayake a modern rank of #19,396.

What does the Ratnayake surname mean?

A Sinhalese surname meaning "ratna" (gem or jewel) and "ayaka" (chief or leader).

What does the Ratnayake map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Ratnayake bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.