NameCensus.

UK surname

Wickramasinghe

A compound Sinhalese surname meaning 'lion-brave' or 'lion-champion'.

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

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Wickramasinghe is 177 in 2010. Compared with 1881, the name has changed.

1881 census count

-

Modern count

161

2016, ranked #22,606

Peak year

2010

177 bearers

Map years

2

2006 to 2016

Key insights

  • The latest modern count shown here is 161 in 2016, ranked #22,606.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Wickramasinghe surname distribution map

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

Distribution map

Wickramasinghe surname density by area, 2016 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

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Wickramasinghe 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 70 #30,618
1998 modern 78 #30,192
1999 modern 81 #30,037
2000 modern 92 #28,832
2001 modern 99 #27,534
2002 modern 115 #25,749
2003 modern 128 #23,890
2004 modern 128 #24,117
2005 modern 124 #24,529
2006 modern 132 #23,834
2007 modern 133 #24,059
2008 modern 145 #22,929
2009 modern 164 #21,628
2010 modern 177 #21,034
2011 modern 163 #21,983
2012 modern 156 #22,645
2013 modern 158 #22,817
2014 modern 161 #22,728
2015 modern 159 #22,796
2016 modern 161 #22,606

Geography

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Where Wickramasinghes 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 Kensington and Chelsea, Brent, Stevenage and Perth Road. 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 Kensington and Chelsea 010 Kensington and Chelsea
2 Brent 013 Brent
3 Brent 019 Brent
4 Stevenage 002 Stevenage
5 Perth Road Dundee City

Forenames

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First names often paired with Wickramasinghe

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

Historical female names

No Forenames Found

Historical male names

No Forenames Found

Modern profile

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Neighbourhood profile for Wickramasinghe

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Wickramasinghe, 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 Wickramasinghe surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Wickramasinghe 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, Wickramasinghe 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

Wickramasinghe 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

Wickramasinghe 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 Wickramasinghe 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 Wickramasinghe, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Wickramasinghe

The surname Wickramasinghe has its origins in Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia. It is a Sinhalese surname, where the Sinhalese people form the largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka. The name is deeply rooted in the Sinhala language and cultural heritage, reflecting the linguistic and social history of Sri Lanka.

Wickramasinghe is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Vikrama" meaning valour or prowess, and "Singha" meaning lion. Combining these elements, the name Wickramasinghe can be interpreted as "valorous lion" or "lion-hearted," signifying bravery and nobility. The lion holds significant cultural and symbolic importance in South Asia, often associated with royalty and strength.

Historical records and manuscripts from Sri Lanka mention variations and old spellings of the surname Wickramasinghe. One of the earliest recorded instances appears in ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and stone inscriptions dating back to the Polonnaruwa period (1070–1232 AD). These documents primarily recorded the deeds of royal families and high-ranking officials who bore the name.

One notable historical figure with the surname Wickramasinghe was Anagarika Dharmapala (1864–1933), born Don David Hewavitarne Wickramasinghe. He was a prominent Sri Lankan Buddhist revivalist and a key figure in the worldwide spread of Theravada Buddhism. He contributed significantly to the Buddhist renaissance in India and Sri Lanka and worked towards the restoration of Bodh Gaya, the site of Buddha's enlightenment.

Another significant person was Martin Wickramasinghe (1890–1976), a revered Sri Lankan author and intellectual. His works have played a pivotal role in shaping modern Sinhala literature. Through novels, essays, and critical works, Martin Wickramasinghe explored themes of tradition, change, and the impact of colonialism on Sri Lankan society.

The name Wickramasinghe is also associated with D. B. Nihalsinghe Wickramasinghe (1939–2016), an influential filmmaker and media consultant in Sri Lanka. He was instrumental in advancing the Sri Lankan cinema industry and introduced new filmmaking techniques and storytelling styles that resonated with local audiences.

Solar Wickramasinghe (1912–1992) was a significant figure in Sri Lankan politics and education. He made substantial contributions to the island's educational reforms and youth movements. His efforts were pivotal in democratizing education and promoting youth engagement in socio-political activities.

Furthermore, Lakshman Wickramasinghe (1935–1983) was a Sri Lankan Anglican bishop who played an instrumental role in expanding the reach of the Anglican Church in Sri Lanka. His leadership and advocacy for social justice left a lasting impact on the community and church reforms during his tenure.

The surname Wickramasinghe has echoed through various facets of Sri Lankan history, influencing literature, religion, politics, and education. Each bearer of the name has contributed to the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan culture, leaving enduring legacies that continue to be honored and remembered.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

FAQ

Wickramasinghe surname: questions and answers

How common is the Wickramasinghe surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 161 in 2016. That gives Wickramasinghe a modern rank of #22,606.

What does the Wickramasinghe surname mean?

A compound Sinhalese surname meaning 'lion-brave' or 'lion-champion'.

What does the Wickramasinghe map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Wickramasinghe 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.