174 Sinhala Baby Names From The Sri Lankan Islands
From the picturesque land of beaches and hills comes a collection of versatile names.
Illustration: MomJunction Design Team
Apart from the endless beaches, rolling surf, fun trains, elephants, and scrumptious cuisine, Sri Lanka is also famous for several ethnic groups, consisting mainly of Tamil, Moor, Malay, Burghers, Christians, and, of course, Sinhalese. Exploring Sinhala baby names with meanings is thus an exciting process for many parents. What’s even more fascinating is that all the ethnic groups in Sri Lanka have their own set of naming methods and conventions. They usually have two names. The first is the father’s name, often followed by a ‘GE,’ which indicates the tribe, house, profession of the head of the family, place of one’s origin, title of the head of the family, or a distinctive quality of the family. The second part of the name is the given or personal name. For instance, in Muhandiramla Simon, Muhandiramla is the father’s name, and Simon is the given or personal name. Women also follow the same name structure but adopt their husband’s names after marriage (1). Apart from that, the suffix ‘GE’, Sinhalese for tribe or house, is appended with the first name. For instance, in MuhandiramlaGE Simon, GE indicates the place of origin of the family, the head of the family, or a special characteristic of the family, which may have prevailed in the past. This prefix must be carried down by all the descendants, no matter male or female. It should also be noted that Sinhalese communities maintain a caste system, which asserts its influence on names and titles even today. However, today Sinhalese names only have a personal name and a last name or surname. They do not have a family name. Names in Sri Lanka can be masculine, feminine, or unisex. You will find that most Sinhala surnames have a Sanskrit origin. However, many Portuguese surnames entered the culture because of the Portuguese invasion of Sri Lanka in the 16th and 17th centuries. So are you ready to dive into a world of profound Sinhala baby names? Scroll down and find one that will suit your child.
On This Page
Browse Baby Names By Gender
Browse Baby Names By Alphabet
| Name | Gender | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  Unisex | Sea and sky; Earth | |
| |  Boy | Master; Lord; Shiva | |
| | Boy | From Hadria; Procuring; Earning; Acquiring; Gaining; Golden life | |
| | Boy | Auspicious; Dear; Favorable | |
| |  Girl | The daughter of Indra; A shakti of Ganesha; Ancient | |
| | Unisex | Gold; Silver; Money | |
| | Girl | Order; Command; Indication | |
| | Boy | Autumn | |
| | Girl | Master; Lord; Shiva | |
| | Unisex | Alive; Life; Spring; Blow through | |
| | Girl | Quenched; Fresh or good scent; Treasures; Wealth; Possessions; Goods | |
| | Girl | Flute; A weaver | |
| | Boy | Wild marjoram; The Last Follower; God's follower | |
| | Girl | Victorious woman; God is gracious | |
| | Boy | He who is clever; Skill; Cleverness; Experience | |
| | Girl | Earth-ruler; King; Prince | |
| | Girl | Mother; Giver of life | |
| | Unisex | Ruler of hearts | |
| | Boy | Gold; Silver; Money | |
| | Unisex | Help; Lake | |
| | Unisex | To go after or alongside; Goddess Parvathi | |
| | Girl | Kitten | |
| | Girl | Soothing light of the Moon; Illumination; Splendor | |
| | Girl | Yak; Fly-whisk | |
| | Unisex | God gifted; Invention | |
| | Girl | A woman who abstains | |
| | Girl | Perception; Knowledge | |
| | Unisex | Lion; Love; Loyal; Faithful; To flow; Towards the tide | |
| | Unisex | Person from India | |
| | Girl | Fanciful; Tasteful; Aesthetic; Elegant; Graceful | |
| | Unisex | Daughter; Son; Rejoicing; Gladdening | |
| | Girl | Valuable; Priceless; Brave; Soft; Clean; Smart; Work | |
| | Boy | Priceless; Valuable; Precious; Hope; Radical; Rootless | |
| | Boy | To animate; To drive; To offer the gods as a hymn; To protect; To favor | |
| | Boy | God; Lord; Master; Head; Wish | |
| | Boy | Sing; Sky; Song | |
| | Boy | Playful; Charming; Desirable | |
| | Boy | A Sri Lankan name | |
| | Boy | Jewel of a Son; Gem of a Son; Precious; Gem | |
| | Boy | Help; Kindness; Favor | |
| | Girl | Night; Shining; Beautiful lady | |
| | Boy | Shining; Splendid; One of horses of lord Moon | |
| | Boy | Gem | |
| | Boy | Fearless; One witout doubt | |
| | Girl | A strict natured, serious and diplomatic person | |
| | Boy | Not shaky; Firm; Unchangeable; Paternal; Fatherly | |
| | Boy | One who can never get killed; Indestructible; Irresistible | |
| | Girl | Lotus stalk; Superior; Excelling | |
| | Boy | Greek partridge, fabled to survive on moonbeams | |
| | Boy | An experienced person | |
| | Girl | A flower; Frangipani; Toward home | |
| | Girl | Moonlight; Sandalwood | |
| | Girl | Devi; A Goddess | |
| | Boy | Fosterer of genius | |
| | Unisex | Son of Danu | |
| | Girl | Spread; Prosper; Rise; Grow; Strong; Become happy | |
| | Boy | An old Sri Lankan name | |
| | Boy | World; Universe | |
| | Boy | The name means Lion | |
| | Boy | Flint; Pebble | |
| | Girl | Peacock | |
| | Girl | Blue eyed; One with blue eyes | |
| | Boy | Pure; Blameless; Brilliant | |
| | Boy | A strong and powerful individual | |
| | Boy | A person who loves horses | |
| | Boy | Colored; Pleased; Delighted; Victorious in battle | |
| | Boy | Wealthy; Opulent; Brilliant; Handsome | |
| | Girl | Bright; Radiant; Charming; Agreeable; Beautiful | |
| | Boy | Superior; Victorious | |
| | Girl | Sea; Ocean | |
| | Girl | A well born girl | |
| | Unisex | A divine person | |
| | Girl | Wise; Skilled; Rattan plant | |
| | Girl | Cornelian gemstone | |
| | Girl | The feminine form of Achilles or without lips | |
| | Boy | He who is creative; Name of a famous Buddhist cave | |
| | Boy | A loving and wise leader | |
| | Boy | Blessings | |
| | Boy | Something that's immeasurable; Incomparable | |
| | Girl | Bond | |
| | Boy | He who is outstanding | |
| | Girl | Devotion | |
| | Unisex | He who is clever and wise | |
| | Boy | Expressive | |
| | Boy | A flower | |
| | Girl | Beautiful | |
| | Boy | He who is skillful, smart, and genius | |
| | Girl | She who is clever | |
| | Girl | Knowledge | |
| | Boy | Social; A sociable being | |
| | Girl | The one who gives, accepts, and protects | |
| | Girl | Cutting | |
| | Boy | The Bo tree; Bodhi tree | |
| | Boy | Morning light | |
| | Girl | Understanding | |
| | Girl | Expressive | |
| | Boy | He who gains honor through songs | |
| | Girl | Joy; Delight | |
| | Girl | God strengthens | |
| | Boy | A leader's heart | |
Sinhala baby names showcase the rich heritage and culture of the land. They embody various themes and traits, so parents have many options to explore. We are sure you will find a great name from the list we have compiled. Once you shortlist your options, don't forget to research more on them. Every name has a unique story and significance. So consider one when you are completely satisfied with its immediate meaning and the wider things it conveys.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some popular Sinhala baby names that are gender-neutral?
Several Sinhala baby names are unisex or gender-neutral. Avani meaning 'earth' in Sanskrit, and Thusitha, meaning 'heaven' in Sinhalese, are two popular Sri Lankan unisex names.
2. What are some of the most popular Sinhala baby names associated with nature, animals, and plants?
Sinhala baby names associated with nature, animals, and plants are popular among parents. Sri Lanka's lush natural environment and rich biodiversity inspire such names. For instance, names like Mayura (peacock), Nalin (lotus), or Samudra (sea, ocean) evoke the beauty of nature. These names often reflect a deep appreciation for the natural world and the connection between humans and their surroundings.
Infographic: Sweet Sinhala Names For Boys And Girls
Sinhala baby names carry deep cultural and religious symbolism. Many of them signify traits that everyone would want in a child. These names often have roots in the Sanskrit language, while some show Portuguese influence. Check out this infographic to uncover a great variety of names for your bundle of joy.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Customs, Etiquette And Manners In Sri Lanka
https://factsanddetails.com/south-asia/Srilanka/People_Srilanka/entry-7982.html
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Angela Alex
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
