Find out how popular the last name Wijeratne is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Wijeratne.

Wijeratne, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Wijeratne surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wijeratne in America

Wijeratne is the 150452nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wijeratne surname appeared 109 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Wijeratne.

The history of the last name Wijeratne

The surname Wijeratne is of Sinhalese origin, predominantly found in Sri Lanka. The name dates back several centuries and is rooted in the island's rich cultural and historical tapestry. Sinhalese surnames often reflect geographic, familial, or professional affiliations, and Wijeratne is no different in this respect.

The name Wijeratne is derived from the Sinhalese words "Wije", meaning "victory" or "victorious", and "ratne", which translates to "jewel". As a compound, the name can be interpreted to denote "victorious jewel" or "jewel of victory". Such a name would have likely been bestowed upon families who were warriors, nobles, or held significant status within their communities.

Historically, the name Wijeratne can be traced back to the Kandyan Kingdom period in Sri Lanka (c. 1591–1815). During this era, records indicate the existence of notable families bearing this surname, many of whom were involved in administration, trade, or served as local chieftains. The name has been mentioned in ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and stone inscriptions from this period, underscoring its presence in historical documentation.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is found in the 17th century, particularly tied to land records and royal service. Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, was a central region where families with the surname Wijeratne resided and held considerable influence. Old spellings varied slightly but usually maintained the core phonetic elements, such as Wijeeratne or Wijerathna.

Several prominent individuals have carried this surname through history. Don Wijeratne, born in 1875 and died in 1950, was a well-known Sri Lankan merchant and landowner, recognized for his philanthropic efforts in the early 20th century. Colonel John Wijerathna (1890-1965) served in the Ceylon Defense Force and was noted for his contributions to military reforms during British colonial rule.

The Wijeratne name adorned the pages of administrative records during the British colonial period, reflecting its holders' continuity in positions of local governance and social leadership. For instance, Henry Wijeratne, born in 1902 and deceased in 1974, made significant contributions to the education sector in Sri Lanka, being an early advocate for rural educational improvements.

Senaka Wijeratne, an influential lawyer and diplomat, was born in 1929 and left a lasting legacy in Sri Lanka’s legal and international relations sphere until his death in 1987. His work in law reform and international diplomacy highlighted the ongoing prominence of the Wijeratne lineage in modern Sri Lankan society.

Additionally, Ananda Wijeratne, a notable agricultural scientist born in 1933 and died in 2008, made substantial strides in agricultural practices and policies in Sri Lanka. His legacy includes various innovations and research that have impacted the country's farming techniques and agricultural output.

The surname Wijeratne has thus woven itself into the cultural and historical narrative of Sri Lanka, maintaining a presence in various facets of societal development. Its origins are a testament to the enduring heritage and the illustrious histories of families bearing this distinguished name.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wijeratne

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Wijeratne.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Wijeratne was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Wijeratne was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wijeratne, please contact us.

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