Gunawardena Surname

Introduction

The surname 'Gunawardena' is a common last name found in various countries around the world. It has a rich history and cultural significance in regions such as Sri Lanka, Australia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of the surname 'Gunawardena' in different parts of the world, as well as its prevalence and distribution among different populations.

Origin and Meaning

The surname 'Gunawardena' is of Sinhalese origin, primarily found in Sri Lanka. It is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name 'Guna' which means "virtuous" or "good" in the Sinhala language. The suffix '-wardena' indicates descent or association, making 'Gunawardena' roughly translates to "descendant of Guna" or "belonging to the Guna family."

In Sri Lanka, the surname 'Gunawardena' is often associated with the Sinhalese ethnic group, who make up the majority of the population on the island. It is a prestigious and respected surname, signaling noble lineage and cultural heritage.

Popularity and Distribution

In Sri Lanka

The surname 'Gunawardena' is most commonly found in Sri Lanka, where it is ranked as one of the top surnames in the country. According to data, there are over 50,000 individuals with the last name 'Gunawardena' in Sri Lanka, making it a prevalent and well-known surname among the Sinhalese community.

Outside Sri Lanka

Although 'Gunawardena' is most popular in Sri Lanka, it has also spread to other countries around the world. Countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, England, and Qatar have small populations of individuals with the surname 'Gunawardena,' totaling about 800 individuals combined.

The surname 'Gunawardena' is relatively rare in Western countries, but it is still recognized and respected within immigrant communities hailing from Sri Lanka. It is a connection to the homeland and a reminder of cultural identity for many individuals residing outside their country of origin.

Cultural Significance

In Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the surname 'Gunawardena' carries a sense of pride and tradition among the Sinhalese community. It is associated with respectability, integrity, and a strong sense of family values. Many prominent figures in Sri Lankan history and politics have borne the surname 'Gunawardena,' adding to its significance and prestige.

Abroad

For Sri Lankan immigrants living abroad, the surname 'Gunawardena' serves as a link to their roots and a symbol of cultural heritage. It is a way to preserve their identity and pass down their traditions to future generations. Despite being a minority surname in foreign countries, 'Gunawardena' carries with it a sense of belonging and community among the diaspora.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname 'Gunawardena' holds great importance and meaning for individuals of Sinhalese descent, both in Sri Lanka and around the world. It signifies a connection to one's lineage, culture, and heritage, serving as a source of pride and identity for those who bear it. As a patronymic surname with deep roots in the Sinhala language, 'Gunawardena' continues to be cherished and respected by generations to come.

The surname Gunawardena into the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same takes place when it comes to Gunawardena, which as you can corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname that can be present in all of the nations regarding the world. In the same way you will find countries by which definitely the density of individuals utilizing the surname Gunawardena is higher than far away.

The map for the Gunawardena surname

View Gunawardena surname map

The possibility of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Gunawardena on the planet, assists us a whole lot. By placing ourselves on the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to start to see the concrete number of individuals utilizing the surname Gunawardena, to obtain in this manner the complete information of all of the Gunawardena as you are able to currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to know not just where the surname Gunawardena originates from, but also in excatly what way the people who are originally area of the household that bears the surname Gunawardena have relocated and relocated. In the same way, you'll be able to see in which places they will have settled and developed, and that's why if Gunawardena is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries associated with world it is possible that one of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Gunawardena in the world

  1. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka (50871)
  2. Australia Australia (246)
  3. United States United States (246)
  4. United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates (202)
  5. England England (189)
  6. Qatar Qatar (95)
  7. Canada Canada (84)
  8. Kuwait Kuwait (75)
  9. Bahrain Bahrain (59)
  10. Singapore Singapore (52)
  11. New Zealand New Zealand (42)
  12. Switzerland Switzerland (16)
  13. Germany Germany (15)
  14. Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia (9)
  15. Oman Oman (6)