PERSONAL NAMES OF ANCIENT SINHALESE

INSCRIPTION OF CEYLON-VOLUME I DR S PARANAVITANA

This is an attempt to list out ancient names and what the name means, Suggestion from readers , addition and meanings are welcome.

“Javas ca vak-sudha- sutir mani-sutis ca Rohana Nanyatra Simhala-dvipan mukta- sutis ca sagarah“

‘People who produce the Nectar of speech, Rohana Mountains which produce Gems and the Ocean that produces Pearls- these are nowhere found together, but in the Island of the Sinhalas’- Balaramayanaya-Act X verse 49.

Hundered of inscriptions naming the donars of cave is found scattered through the Island where ever there is natural rock caves. These were donated to the Buddhist Sanga[ Monks] from the very ancient times. The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka has most of those inscription on there web- www.Royal Asiatic Society.lk . The Inscriptions of Ceylon Vol I , II Pt I & II.

Similar names is on lead inscribed coins of the same period found at Ruhana. These were published by Osmund Bopearachchi and Raja Wickremasinghe.

Thr names of the great Bhikkhunis of the Buddhist order was Maha Prajapati Gotami, Khema, Uppalavanna which means the one with Ee like blue Lillies, Patachara, Dhammadinna, Rupananda, Sona, Sakula, Bhaddha Kundalakesi,, Bhaddha Kapilani, Yasodara, Kisogotami and Singalaka Matha.

The majority of the donors’ names, when they are of a religious character, are suggestive of faiths other than Buddhism. The following are the Buddhistic names borne by some of the personages figuring in our records.

1. Dama (m.f.), Damaguta. Damati, Damadina, Damarajha, Damarakita, Damaruci, Damasena, Damika, Damutara, Dhamarajha, Dhamika, Butadata (f,), Budarakita, Budasa, Mitiya (m.f.), Sga, ,Sagamita, Sagarakita.

Dhamma (Skt. Dharma)and Samgha are not exclusive to Buddhism; but, in the present context, names formed with one of them as the first member of a compound may be taken, without much doubt, as current among Buddhists.’ ‘Mitiya ‘ can be equated also with a name current in Brahmanical circles, and ‘Saga ‘ can also be taken as a name which, is not particularly Buddhist in application.

Sanga-mitta the daughter of King Asoka who brought the Bo-sapling.

Buddhistic names are not borne exclusively by bhikkhus, the majority of whom bear names like Tisa. Pusa, etc., -which were also in vogue among laymen. Dama-rakita (Dhammarakkhita) a name which would today proclaim its bearer as a Bhikkhu, is that of a layman in No.811,and in No.435, Buta-data[ Gift] (Buddhadatta) was the wife of a prince. Names like the last are of importance for the study of the development of Buddhological concepts.

II. The name of a god itself is often used as a personal name, but in many instances, it forms a compound with another word like data (given). buti (one who has being in), guta [protected), rakita (protected), etc. The following names are formed from those of Vedic gods Agni, Aryaman, Bhaga, Dahatr (Synonym of Agni), Indra, Mahendra, Mitra, Nasatya, Pitrs, Pnrusa, Soma, Surya, Varuna Vasus, Viavedevah, Visnu, Yaga (Sacrifice) :—

Agi, Agidata, Agibuti, Ayibara, Ayimara, Baga-deva, Bagu-tisa, Baka, Duhatara, Dhututaya, Ida, Idabuti, Idaguta, Idarakita, Mahida, Mita(male.female.), Mitadeva, Mitaguta, Mitapala, Mitasena, Mtiya (m.f.), Nasata, Pita-maharajha, Purushadata (f.), Soma, Soma-data, Somrrdeva, Somali(f.),Suri, Suriguta, Varupnda (f.), Varuaguta, Vasu, Vasudata, Vinu, Yagadata, Yakadata.

Ill, The names of Pauranic gods, Baladeva, Brahma, Gopali, Kala (Yama), Kali (goddess), Krishna,Kumara,[Skanda), Kuvera, Lakshmi,Mahasen, Narayana, Rama, Reva, Samudra, Sarvari, Siva, Sagara, Sri, Samana (Yama), Svami (Mahaseia) and Vaisravana are found in the following personal names:

Balaguta, Bama, Bamadata, Bamali, Gopala, Hagara, Hamuda, Kada (Kala), Kadaka, Kada-li, Kadiya, Kana (m.f.), Kanadata, Kanadasika (f.), Kanaguta, Kanatisa, Kubira, Kumara, Kumaradata, Kumaratiha, Laci (f.- LUCKY}, Maha~Samuda, Mahasiva, Mahasena, Naguli, Narayaguta, Ramajhata, Ramadata (f.), Rama (m.f.), Rasumiliya, Reva (f.), Sagara. Samidata (f.), Samuda (m.f.), Samudaguta, Savera (f.), Siriguta, Siripali (f), Siva (m.f.), Sivabuti, Sivaguta, Sivala (f.), Sivanabuti (f.), Sivarakita, Sukada, Surida, Sumanndevi (f.), Suvisaka, Visaka (m.f.), Vihaka, Vesmapa.

Many of the Vedic gods are also found among the Purarnic gods. Visaka, Suvisaka and Vihaka may also be included in the next category of names, as Visakha in the name of a Naksatra as well as that of the god Skanda.

IV. The following names are those of lunar asterisms, or based on them. The Naksatras represented, in the order beginning with Asvini, are :-Bharani, Krttika, Rohini, Panarvasu, Pusya (Tisya), Aslesa, Magha, Uttara (Phalguna), Hasta, Citra, Svati, Visaklia, Anuradha, Mula, Aaadha (Purva), Uttrasadha (Vaisva), Abhijit, Sravana, Sra-vistha (Dhanistha), Revati.

Abijhi (m.f.), Abijliguta, Ahali, Anurada, Anuradi (f.), Anuridi (f.), Anula (f,), Asadaguta, Asali, Aselaya, Ata, Barani (f.), Baraniguta, Cita (m.f.), Citaka, Citadevi (f.), Citaguta, Devanakata, Kati (f.), Kitaka (f.), Kituka (f.), Maka, Maki (f.), Maga, Magha (f.), Mahapusa, Mahareta, Mahatisa, Mula, Mulaguta, Mulasoma, Panasaguta, Pnnasuguta, Pura, Pusa {m.f.)) Pusabuti, Pusadeva, Pusaguta, Pusamita, Pusamala, Pusali, Reta, Revata, Revati (f.), Rita.( f), Rohini (f.), Rona, Roni (f.), Roniguta. Samana (m.f.), Samanaka, Sata, Sataka, Savitadata, Sona (m.f.), Sonadeva, Sonutare, Suna.kata, Suvati, Suvisaka, Tisa (m.f.), Tisabuti, Tisadata, Tisedevi (f.), Tisamita, Tisaraka, Tisarakita, Tisi (f.), Tisiha (f.), Tihali, Upatisa, Utara, Utaraguta, Visaka, Vihaka, Vesa.

The Rasavahini an ancient text states that Phussadeva., one of the paladins of Dutthugemunu, received that name because he was born when the Pusya-naksatra was in conjunction with the Moon. The naming of children after a Naksatra is also recommended in the Grahasutras. But the predominance of one Naksatra among the names of this type found in our inscriptions, makes it very unlikely that in the period of our inscriptions, Sinhalese parents named their children strictly according to the Naksatras under which they were born. The name ‘Tisya ‘ and its synonym ‘ Pusya‘, together with the names formed by their compounds, far outnumber in their occurrence all the other Naksatra names put together.

It is very doubtful whether in those days, birth control was so highly developed as to ensure that children were born when the Tisya (Pusya)-nakasatra was in conjunction with the Moon, or that the vast majority of the children born in this Island at that time had, in their previous births, performed just those acts of religious merit, which ensured their being born under this auspicious Naksatra. We know that in those days, as it is today, it was considered fortunate to be born under certain Naksatras, while others boded ill-luck to those born under them. The parents certainly did not wish their offspring to face the hardships of life with such a disadvantage as the fact of birth under a bad Naksatra being widely known. So, in such cases where a child was born under a Naksatra with a bad reputation, care must have been taken to hide that fact, by giving the child a name formed of the designation of the most favoured Naksatra, i.e. Pusya or Tisya. Hence the large number of Tisa’s figuring in our records. This attempt of parents to cheat the stars must have, in course of time, made people lose faith in the practice, and its being gradually given up in Ceylon, whereas it is still prevalent in certain parts of the neighboring continent.

The following names refer to gods in general: Amara, Deva (m.f.), Devaguta, Devanakata, Devanapiya, Devarakita, Devi (f.), Maha-Sumana, Nabatika, Sudeva, Sumana (m.f.), Sumanaka, Sumanabuti, Sumanadata, Sumanadeva, Sumansdevi (f.), Sumanamala,

The names’ Isignta ‘ and’ Isirakita ‘ may be referring to Rsis in general or a particular Rsi.. Buddhist Bhikkhus also referred to as Isi ; the names can therefore be included under Buddhist names also.

VI. Names referring to demi-gods and sacred animals :-Asa, Cuda-naga, Cudi-naga, Gobuti, Godata, Gopala Kojhara, Kumadata, Mahanaga (m.f.), Mahanakala, Naga (m.f.), Nagadat~, Nagadina (m.f.), Nagamita, Nagasena, Naka, Nakala, Nakali, Paduguta,” Paduma, Padumagnta,,Pigala,” Pigala-Anudi, Pigalaguta, Pigala-Majhima, Pigala-sumana, Uba, Vase, Vahaba, Vahali, Vega, Veli, Velu (m.f.), VeluSumana, Sadila, Siha.

Names after those of trees and plants :-Asoka, Cadana, Nuga, Nugaya, Paduma[ Padma- Lotus], Palikada, Pamatisa, Talatise.Upala (f.)- [ Water Lily].

VII , Names occurring in Sanskrit epics, Pali literature, etc :-Balika, Baraya,Kacaka, Kacili, Kabojha, Ka,bojhiya, Minamata, Nacita, Nada, Pacala, Pada, Paduguta, Paduvasa, Pila, Pulaya, Saba, Sabili, Sagara, Sala, Salika, Suma (m.f.), Upali.

VII . Names indicative of good qualities, wealth, fame, birth, etc :-

Aba , Abaya and Abhaya/ Apa- Fearless,–

The name Abaya was used by our ancient Kings , The third king was an Abaya and he was succeeded by Pandukabaya. The most famous was Dutu- Gemunu[ 101-77 BC] who was known on inscriptions as Jetaka Gamini Abaya in an inscription in Ruhuna and in a 4 Cent AD inscription at Kalkulam as Dutaka Gamini Abaya. Many other kings used this name and Vatta-gamini Abaya built the Abayagiri Dagaba.

Agabala- Foremost in strength ,

Anodi – Faultless

Anudi -Growing or Increasing

Oldest name recorded in writing 6 Cent BC

Anuradha -An Asterism.

The name of founder of the city of Anuradhapura[ Mahawansa] –, The earliest known sinhala inscription

[ 600-500 BC] reads biya anuradha. This was found during an archeological excavations at the citadel of Anuradhapura.

Anula, Aunlaya, –After the asterism of Anuradha.

The name of the queen of King Mahanaga a sub ruler[ Mhv XIV verse 56], who was the first with 500 ladies to listen to Arahat Mahinda sermons and receive first and second stages of sanctification and requested to be ordained. This led to Thera Sangamitta coming to the Island.

This Queen Anula was perhaps the great grand mother of king Dutugemunu. The family tree on inscriptions – see sirimunasihna .wordpress.com/Kings Pandukabaya and Mutusiva on inscriptions?

Also the name of the first Queen of the Sinhalese Queen Anula[12-17 AD], the widow of King Cora- Naga[3 BC-9 AD]had four husbands during her reign of 4 years named Siva, Vatuka, Dura-Bathika -Tissa and Niliya.

Apaya,-[Abaya]-Fearless

Arita/ Arittha, – Best, Noblest.

Maha- arittha was the name if a nephew of King Devanampiyatissa, his envoy to King Asoka Court, leader of both delegations, the second one that brought back Theri Sangamitta and the Bo-sapling. He was given an honorary rank of Senpathiby Asoka.He Later became a monk.[ Mahawansa]

Asamana,- Un – Common

Asoka, – One who has no sorrow/ A flower.

Asoka-mali was the name of theChandala maiden who married Prince Saliya. The sculpture at Issurumuniya, Anuradhapura may be the ccouple or that of Siva and Parvati.

Avirada,One who has no opponant.

Bada (f.)Elu Bamba- Brahmana caste

Baginiya, Bakiniya– Sister,

Bakula

Batiya– Of a Lady,

Buti– Prosperity, Might and Power, Buti-Sumana,

Cema- Khema- Secure,

Cita-kassna– Attracting ones mind,

Cuda- Smaller or Younger,

Cerece– ?

Dahaka/ Dasaka– One who sees,

Danamita– A wealthy-Mitra ,

Daniya– Fortunate,

Daya– Donation or Gift

Dasaka- One who sees,

Dhata/ Data – Gift,

Rama-datta and Varuna- Data were two sisters princesses , Rama data was the consort of Devanampiyatissa[ IC nos 2 and 31- S Paranavitane]

Digati– Tall -Examples Diga-Data-, Diga-Guta, Diga-Kasaba[ Name of previous Buddha], Diga-Naguli, Diga-Sumana– etc

1 Cent AD die-makers impression of a Tall lady [ Perhaps Mahamaya devi on an Sinhala coin is shown below with a normal coin.

Diva,

Dipani (f.)- She who inflames

Ditima-,

Dubala-,

Duga -Durga,

Dataka, A gift

Duta (f.)- Dutaka , Bold Daring

Gamini– Dynastic title of early kings placed on their inscriptions in addition to their personal name suh as Tissa, Abaya, Naga etc. There are few Royal seals with the Royal emblem the railed swastika at the centre with this epithet inscribed in ancient Sinhala script.

The above sealing is believed to be of King Sadhatissa[77-59 BC] found at Tissamaharama, which reads De Va Na Ma Ha Ra Jha Ga Ma Ni Ti Sa Ha.The railed swastika is also found on inscriptions of sinhala royalty- Incsriptions of Ceylon- Volume I-Paranavitana. This sealed an important document as traces of the impressions old palm leaf was discovered by the German excavation team.

Gura-.,Master.

Guta (m.f.), Gutaka– Protected,

Hadaka,Hadana-Efficient & Skillfull,

Hajaya– -Name of a Bard in Mahabaratha.,

Halana- Auspicious / Good,

Hamika– Owner

Hona[ Sona] An Asterism

Hujata (f.) Sughata-,

Huma (m.f.), Humana (m.f.)- Sumana-

Idika- Ittiya -a Monk in the retinue of Rev Mahinda.,

Ijhu- Upright,

Isa– Name of a Risi,

A similar sounding name was -Isigira was the Governer of Nagadipa during the reign of King Vasaba [126-170 AD]- Villipuram Gold Plate

Jita- Devi- On inscription no 54 Kadigala Ins IC Volume II, the Queen of Vasaba and mother of King Vankanasika Tissa.

Jhita– Daughter,

Jhotiya, Jhotisena– Light,

Kamacuda– One who has a desired Crest,

Kamina (f.),- Loving One.

Kitaka–

A Queen of King Sadhatissa[Lakshman.S. PereraAppendix V]

Kubara, Kubili (f.),- God of wealth

Kujha, Kujhika– Personal name,

Lajhaka– Pre-emminant,

Macaka (f.)- Fished eyed one,

Macudi – Diadem wearing king,

Madana (f.) – Adorning,

Mahabi (f.)- Personal name,

Maha– Great /Famous-Maha-butiya, Mahacudika, Mahadata, Mahaguta, Maha-Haruma, Maharaka, Mahavebeli, Mahavita,

Majhima- Middle , Majhima-Tisa,Majhi-maya,

Mala– Champion,

Mali – Wearing a garland of flowers,

Malu,

Mana,

Manalikaci (f),

Manel- The national flower of Sri Lanka.

Nadika– personal name,

Nada/ Nanda– Delight and Happiness

Namali/ Nirmala/Nimmala– Venerable,

Namara– Humble,

Nila– Dark Complexioned ,

Nelum – The type of Lotus flower of the Island.

Olu – A lotus flower.

Padita– A learned man,

Pala– Protector,

Parijaya (f.),

Pavita– One who caused rain

Pola/Pabulu– Coral,

Puna,

Pussa-deva- A General of King Dutugemunu, few inscriptions has been identified with him. The one at Sankapala Temple on the Embilipitiya Rd,. A Conch in engraved by his inscription. A small brick mount beside the road is believed to be his grave.

Ramani– A princess of a Royal line perhaps of King Vahaba as described by S Paranavitana-No 52 IC Volume II.

Rajhita-

The chief queen of Dutugemunu[ Rev Ellawala Methnanda 2000 May 29]from an avcient Insription

Sculpture of perhaps 8 Cent AD .the theme suggested as King Dutugemunu ,his queen and Prince Saliya

Raka, Raki, Rakita, Rakiya (m.f.], Rakha (f.)- Protected,

Rohaka, Roka– Mounted One/ Cavalry,

Ruga (f.), Rula (f.), Ruvala (f.)- Shapely,

Sadana– Wealthy,

Sadatuta, Sadoya, Sagata,

Sama –

Samika (f.)- The little dark one,

Queen of King Lanjatissa[59-50 BC], a son of King Sadatissa. He had another brother Maha Aya Siva whose wife was Lasani.[Lakshman.S. PereraAppendix V]

Samudda-

Sankha.- Chank , the name of General who was Killed by Parakramabahu the Great.Recently an Intaglio was found inscribed in Sinhala nagari writing.

Sugula- A Warrior Queen who ruled the south[ Ruhuna] an aunt of Parakaramabahu the Great, and was reluctant to hand over the Sacred Tooth relic and Bowl. Many a battle was fought before she was defeated and taken prisoner.

Sasirika/ Sasiri-Possesing Speldour,

Savina (f.)- Learned,

Savi- Moon.

Savera- A personal name –

The name of Dutugemunu mother Vihara -maha devi as identified on ancient Inscriptions by Dr S Paranavitane.

A square Sinhala Coin of lady on a Boat perhaps Vihare Maha Devi[ 1 Cent BC]

Sena– One who posses an Army,

The most famous Sena was King Mahasena [334-361 AD], he built the tallest stupa Jetvanarama and many tanks. His statue is a Kirivehera ,Kataragama is shown below

Sida,

Sidata/ Siduhat – One whose purpose has been achived,

Sigara– Strong One, Sigara-Malu, Sigara-Tisa,

Siri– Goddess of fortune

Sila,

Sobana– Brilliant,

Sobika– Ornamentle One.

Suba, Subaga (f.)- Good/Aupicious,

Sudini,

Sujhata– High born,

A coin like object in lead from Akurugoda Tissamaharama inscribed ‘Sujhata puta tissaha ‘ . Of Tissa son of Sujhata. Suhata may mean high born or the Chief Queen.

Sulasi (f.),

Sumana– Good Minded,

Sura– Heroic, Surajha, Sura-kita, Sura-tisa,

Sala– Name of a Tree.

Tejhe– Fire /Brilliance,

Tina–

Tosa (f.)- Pleasure/Satisfaction,

Very appropriately named Vesi[Courtesan or Nagara Sobini] appears on an ancient cave Inscription at Sigiriya

Tilaka- a Light, a Gem

Tiri/Siri-

Thisa-rakitha. A queen of King Asoka who attempted to poison the Bo-tree.[ Mahwansa]- a silver coin[ Kahapana} perhaps depicting this incident is found in fair numbers in the Island, is shown below.

Talata Laci- was a daughter of a Prince Sanga the Lord of Mahagama,who donated her share of land and the flesh of Peacocks, deer and balck antelope t a Monastery[ Kok-eba Rock Inscription No 81 IC Volume II.

Suka– Happiness

Sumitta– Good friend

Sona– Name of asterism- A deciple of Buddha

Uba-Clever/ Skilfull,

Udaya– Rising,

Uga/Uggra/Ugga-Strong/Formidable,-Ugapiyaka,

Utaliya,

Utari,

Uti, Utiya– Sower,

A Name of King

Vada, Vadiya,

Vasaba- Bull, Noble.

The name of a king

Vajira (f.), Varali,

Vebeliya,Vepali– Abundance,

Yahasaya, Yahasini (f.),She who has a good name.

Yahasini the wife of Heir apparent Devanampiya Gamini-Tisa [ Page xlvii, IC- S Paranavitane]

Yase– Fame, -Yasada, Yasopala.

MEDEIVAL SINHALA NAMES

The names inserted under are those published by Dr S Paranavitane taken from the 0ver 1000 short verses or poem written from the 8-12 Cent AD on the Mirror wall at Sigiriya. This was published by the Archeological dept.

SIGIRIYA

No one can described this , a Wonder of the world; better than a unknown poet from the 8 cent AD , which he scribbled on the Mirror Wall.[Verse no 115 ]

The verse is evidently addressed to a one who showed no signs of jubilation when he saw Sigiriya. The verse suggests that such a person would not even be satisfied even by the pleasures of heaven, for the only place which bears comparison with heaven is Sigiriya.

It is famous for its paintings

The painting at Sigiriya

Another unknown visitor to Sigiriya during the eight Cent AD left his appreciation of these ladies on the Mirror Wall-

To quote a few of visitors impression of the 6 to 12 Cent AD on the paintings- placed for posterity on the Mirror Wall –

The face of a beautiful woman is compared to the Moon, (No.394), her teeth to pearls (No 648), and her hair to dark clouds (No.331). Less hackneyed are the comparisons of woman’s eyebrows to nimba-leaves (394), her lips to Na-mal buds (No. 394),her hand to a pendant of flowers (No105) and her eyes to jewel lamp (No. 50), the smile of a woman exhibiting her teeth, is like the row of seeds of water-melon-a simile still in common use among the Sinhalese villagers (No. 357); the ladies sweet speech is as exhilarating as a cup of wine (No. 627); a fair damsel standing by the side of a dark one is like a Vatakolu flower entangled in a ni-katarolu (No334) or in a another an Asela flower in the vicinity of a blue water-lily (No. 583);- S Paranavitane.

The list of authors of the Sigiri Graffiti is preceded by the place name and the title of office.

Agala- (or Agal-)Aga : [Skt. Agni, P. Aggi.]- After Agni- God Of Fire.

Agbo [Skt. Agrabodhi, P. Agga-bodhil ].

Agboy, Ruhun,.

Agboyi Sen,

At-kit [Skt. Apta-kirtti],

Ananda [Skt., P. Ananda]

Anura [Skt. Anuradha].

Abay [Skt., P. AbhayaJ,

Avuli,

Ujala [Skt. Ujjvala],

Uda [Skt. UdayaJ

Upatis

Ojal, Ojala [Skt. Ujjvala]

Kamala

Kasaba [Skt. Kayapa, P. Kassapa],

Kasabala [s.a. Kasaba]

Kasub [s.a. Kasaba]

Kali.

Kit [Skt. Kirtti, P. Kitti.]

Kital [s.a. Kit],

Kitala [s.a. Kit],

Kitalu [s.a. Kit],

Kiti [. Kit],

Kit Dev [: Skt. Kirtti-deva,]

Kit-mey [ : Skt. Kirtti-megha]

Kit-sen [Skt. Kirtti-sena]

Kusum Flower

Coin of King Kalasoka[ 400 BC] of Magadha Empire found at Tissa. One mark is of a Crocadile

Kimbula , Kapila [Skt., P. Kapila],.Crocadile – Kapilavastupura- The capital of the kingdom of Sakya- Buddha Fathers Dynasty.

Kirtti-varmma,

Kumara Kasaba [P. Kumara Kassapa],

Kotala-mala [Skt. Kuntala-malla]

Kola,

Jivi

Jet

Jet-maala,.

Jegalu [s.a. Jet],.

Tiya,

Tisa [Skt. Tisya, P. Tissa],

Tis [s.a. Tisa].

Tili-maala,.

Dayal [Skt. Dayalu],

Daham-sena [Skt. Dharmma-sena]

Dal [Datha]

Dala [s.a. Dal],

Dalani,

Dalameya,

Dalal

Dalala [s.a. Dal],

Dev [Skt. Deva],.

Deval [s.a, Dev],

Devda [r.a. Dev],

Sagal [P. Sangha],

Sagala- [s.a. Sagal]

Sanga

Sene- The Love ]Sg 339,553]

Sene – vi – become enamoured [Sg 398]

Seneya[ The Love[ Sg 173]

Sennet to smile[Sg 447] Senu – Smiling[Sg 614]

Set – Peace[EZ II 19

Sihidun- Lord of Lions[ Sg 174]

Sihin Delicate[sg379]

Silmini- crest Jewel[EZ I19,30]

Sinind= Mild. Lovely and beloved[ Sigiri13,64

Siri- brilliant, luster, splender[ Sg 528,558, 560 Siri-ge House of the goddess of beauty EZI 1913

Subha- Auspicious /lucky

Siri splendour

Saman -[Skt. P. Sumana],.

Samanal [s.a. Saman] –

Sit [ Skt Chitra]

Sala

Sene- The Love]Sg 339,553

Sene – vi – become enamoured[Sg 398]

Seneya[ The Love[ Sg 173

Sennet to smile[Sg 447] Senu – Smiling[Sg 614]

Set – Peace[EZ II 19

Sihidun- Lord of Lions[ Sg 174]

Sihin Delicate[sg379]

Silmini- crest Jewel[EZ I19,30]

Sinind= Mild. Lovely and beloved[ Sigiri13,64

Siri- brilliant, luster, splender[ Sg 528,558, 560

Siri-ge House of the goddess of beauty EZI 1913

Subha Auspicious lucky

Siri -splendour

Siri [Skt. Sri, P. Siri],

Sirida [Skt. Srida].

Sivala-

Sirina

Sirinn [P. Sirinega]

Siv [Skt. Siva, P. Siva],

Sivat [Skt. Srimat, p. Sirimanta],

Sivala [s.a. Siv], Sivala,.

Sihi [Skt, Simha, p. Siha],.

Sen [Skt. P. Sena

Senal [s.a. Sen],

Senala [s.a. Sen]

Senala

Sen-devi [Skt. Sena.

Sepalika – A Flower.The picture appeared in the Daily news, Wesak Issue.

Na [Skt. P. Naga] -mala

Nal [Skt. P. Naga],

Ne [Skt. P. Nega]

Nedi [Skt. Nandin],

Nuga [Skt. P. Nyagrodha] –

Nuyura [Skt. P. Anuridha],

Pasili,.

Panedi [: Skt. Pnda-nandin], 448.

Piyal [Skt. Prif’a], rz8.

Piyal-bati, 355.

Poyal [: Skt. Potaka] Balat a soldier

Poyi [Skt. Potaka], 345.

Bati (/.) [Skt. Bhartri],87.

Bud [Skt. P. Buddha],

Bud, Rftgal,416.

Bud,, 684.

Bud, Salagala-vlsi, 443.

Budal [s.a. Bud], 52, 584.

Budal, Ta+amegiri, 632.

Budal, Ledant, gzT.

Budal, Suluvl Si-himiyan ge, 568.

Budas [Skt. P. Buddha-disa],

Ambgarn-kuli bujan6, 624.

Budas, Ruhu4,38o.

Budmit [Skt. Buddha-mitra] -plvija,

Pajalava-vtui, 392.

Boy [Skt. P. Bodhi], Mayli, ro.

Boya [s.c.BoyJ

Boyala [s.a. Boy], 364.

Boyala, Ruhu$in d, z4z.

Boyi [s.a. Boy], Devala,449.

Boyi-piivij, 55o.

Boyila ls.d. Boyl, zz7.

Bohodevi [Skt. P. Bodhideva],

Mihidda-.

Ma4ala [Skt. P. Ma+t], fS+.

Maparuma [: Skt. Mahi-pra-

mukhal, Skt. Maghal,

Masiv [Skt. MahiSiva, P. MahisivaJ,

Mahadev [Skt. P. Mahadeva],

Mahadev-pavij,

Mahasattay [: Skt. Mahi-sartha-

Mahasen, Ma-nendi [: Skt. Mahi-nandin],

Mana [Skt. P. Maha-nnga],

Mati [Skt. Meqlha-ka], Elenefa-

kuli, r.

Mii+al [: Skt. MaBiJ, Mihindal-

Mi+i [: Skt. Ma+i], .

Mi+i, Kltiri, 557.

Mit [Skt. Mitra, P. Mitta], 285.

Mital [s.a. Mit], 446.

Mitalu [s.c.Mit],498.

Mital-bata, Mitil [s.a. of Mitat] -.

Mihid [Skt. Mahendra, P. Matrinda],

Anag-raj [: Skt. Ananga-rnja],

Mihidat [s.4. Mihid],

Mihidala, Malapdil, 39o.

Mihindal-bata, 653.

Mihindala [s.c. Mihid],’

Mahasiva-

Milindi [P. Milinda]

Mind [s.a. Mihid], 528.

Mugalan [Skt. Maudgalynyans, P.

Moggallina J, Namu4{a-gatnu,

Dala .

Mugalan, Siripuri,.

Mugelana [.r.c. Mugdan], .

Mugalana-bata, .

Mekiti [Skt. Megha-kirtti]

Mete-pi [Skt. Maitreya-pdda],

Bagona, 287.

Menen [: Skt. Menin], 3o6.

Meya [Skt. P. Megha] -p?ivij,478.

Meyal [s.a. Meya], 186.

Meyal-bati,

Meyala [s.4. Meya] —

vdsi, zoz, zt6.

Meyalu [s.4. Meya],

Meyula [s.4. Meyda], 258.

Maitri [Skt. Maitreya], 194.

Rak [P. Rakkha : Skt. Ralcaa],

Ruhuin i, 63o.

Rakasala [Skt. Rakra], 58.

Raksala [s.a. Rakasala] .

Raksn [s.4. Rakasala], .

Riyanamiya [P. Ratana-madhu]

Rajanamii-.

Riyanala [P. Ratana, Skt. Ratna],

Pilivi,

Riyan-joti. Ratana-jotil –

Kivisi, 562.

Riyan-daf tP. Ratana-,

Riyan-sen [P. Ratana-sena] –

Lenasi- The Gazelle eyed one

SINHALA NAMES – 14 to 20 CENTURY

The selection of the Name of Prince Siddhattha

“Eight Brahmin scholars to read the future of Baby born to Queen Mayadevi . All gave a dual prediction that the baby would either become a great king or a great holy man. Kaundinya(Pali: Kondañña), the youngest, and later to be the first arahat other than the Buddha, was reputed to be the only one who unequivocally predicted that Siddhartha would become a Buddha. The infant was given the name Siddhartha (Pāli: Siddhattha), meaning “he who achieves his aim”.

DR KD PARANAVITANE- LAND FOR MONEY

Part I – Ancient Sinhala names.

Part II- Mediveal Sinhalese Names

Part III- Sinhalese names of Kotte Period onwards.

Part III.

This is to share a wonderful information of the names of the Sinhalese written by Dr KD Paranavitane, the Former President of the Royal Asiatic Society Sri Lanka . Dr Paranavitane wrting will enlighten most of us Sinhalese on how and why we were named.

The Sinhalese personal names appearing in the tombos or land deeds of the Dutch were researched by Dr Paranavitane . He states that they are generally derived from the name of the father or ancestors. They generally consisted of three distinct parts,

1.It has been a tradition of Sinhalese to be named after Initials selected from the Sinhala alphabet after reading the Horoscope. After referring to the place to planets ,the sun and moon etc at the time of birth. The initials are selected and the pparent of the child select a name with these initails. At the time I was born, the letter Ba was most appropriate and I was named Bandhusiri.The name be given when the child was fed with rice for the first time, referred to as bat-kavapu nama or indul katageme nonut [ Nekath] which corresponds to the name given at the baptism that was inherited from the colonial European administrators.

Few names mentioned by Dr Paranavitane are given below

Males ……………………………………………. Females

Aderaya (loving one) ……………….. Aloka (bright one)

Baliya (quiet one) …………………… Amandoe (sweet one)

Batama– (babyish one) . Batiya(babyish one)Baba

Bayya (timid one) ….. Belindu (babyish one)

Kaloe (black one) ……………………….. Ehelemalie (esala flower)

Kekkula (buddy) ……………………Inderie (goddess)

Kiria (milky one) …………………..Kekkulie (buddy)

Lamittera (childish one) ………….Kirimalie (milky flower)

Oongiya (youngest one) ………….Lamie(childish one)

Nandoea (pleasing one) ……………..Nilloe(blue one)

Pina (meritorious one) ……………Pin-kella (fortunate girl)

Samattuwa (clever one) ……….. Poospie (flower like one)

Setuwa (lucky one) ………………… Rannie (goldish one)

Sielinda (smooth one) …………….. Sedara (energetic one)

Sobena (beautiful one) …………. Seka (intelligent one)

Teyya (god’s one) ……………….. Setoo (lucky one)

Tikira(little one) …………………….. Silindu (smooth one)

Wastuwa (wealth) ……………………. Sirimalie (little flower).

Ran[Golden colour]

Dingiri Bala Ukku Hiralu Kombi-hami, Lat-etana, Mutu-Menike., Lasandu Menika,

Some names of the Kandyan provinces taken from the Gazetteer of the Central Province of Ceylon Volume I. The list of witnesses of Uda walave Adikaram Nilame of Aluvihare‘s deed to his eldest son in 1817 AD- Kiribanda Duggane Rala were Aluvihare Gangala Rala, Halgahawatte Rala, Silippu Punchirala, Kalu Banda, Ved Naide, Kirei Henaya, Harasgama Vedarala, Agalawatte Ella Duraya, Tantrige Kaluwajja, and Seyiyadu Gurunneha.

The lands at Ampitiya was transferred to the Godammune family by Wekoadega Kiri naidu in 1806 . Few who acted as witness were Godamunne Sakalasuri Mudiyansalage,Kawrala,Hewaduraya, Ran Hawadiya, Lathawadiya Duraya, Sinduwa Duraya.

What Dr Paranavitane states under is still been practiced. Some names off a Thombu of a paddy field giving to me by Mr Wijesinghe on a Paddy field at Udugamploa now belonging to Munasin Ahchi Lekamlage family at Weediyawatte.

“Another remarkable factor is that the Sinhalese names of the Goigama caste preferred to use the names combining with Loku(eldest), Madduma (middle) and Kuda (small) or Poentje ( Punchi or small) with personal name such as Appoe(gentleman) and Hamie.Females frequently used Ettena in combination with particular complexion such as KaIu and Ran with the name Hamie. The distinction between class and caste is one of the barriers which divided the nobleman from the ordinary people. The people of Goi-vanse or Goigama or Handuruwodescended down from long line of ancestry constituted the native nobility.

The ancient tradition of addressing ladies of distinction as himiba, Himibi or Himobi and Gentleman or Lords or Sir as Himi, Himiya seems to be modified here.

56 Dr Paranvitane states that ‘The honorific term deva swamin wahanse usually applied to the King at a later period it has been modified to address the nobility as Hamie which was added to the personal name. The term Swami or Himiya also means ‘Lord’. This is being used as Hamuduruwo which is a derivation of Sanskrit word ‘Swami‘ .

Male …………………………………………………..Female

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Age ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Age

1 -20,,,,,,,,,, 21-40,,,,,,,,, 41-60 ,,,,,,,,,,,1-20 ,,,,,,,,,,,,20 -40 ,,,,,,41-60

lokoe + ,,,Appoe ,,,,,+Hamie ,,,,,,,,,Kaloe ,,,,,,+ Ettena ,,,,+ Hamie

Madduma + Appoe+Hamie……. Natjera ..+ Hamie

Poentje ..+ Appoe,+Hamie ……..Guna ….+ Hamie

Dingie + Appoe…+Hamie ………Anagi . + Hamie

Kirie ..+ Appoe.. +Hamie………. Kirie + Ettana….. +Hamie

Bindoe + Appoe + Hamie……….Poentje +Ettena

Nainde + Appoe + Hamie………Meniek +Hamie

Siriwadie + Appoe + Hamie ,,,,,,Loku + Ettena

Kaloe + Appoe ,,,,+ Hamie ,,,,,,,,,Ran + Ettena.

Dr Paranvitane writes.

There were certain terms used by the Sinhalese to address ladies of distinction such as Hamuduruwa, Hamu,Mahatmayo, Ettani, Ettana and Inmateni. The ladies who enjoyed a little inferior social status were addressed by the words Hamie and Hamine. These two terms were also used to address the wives of Mohandiramsor Appuhamis and to the unmarried daughters of Mudaliyars. Arachchy’s wife was addressed as lamahami whereas the word Mahage was used to address Kangafl!’s, Vidane’s or Mayoraal wife. The suffix Hamie was an honorary designation to a female of a respectable family of Govi caste. It was sometimes assumed that the females of the same standing in the society as the males in the case of the last mentioned, particularly in the southern coastal region. Apart from the above terms of addresses, the other castes too had similar addresses to females such as Natjre or Natie found in the tombos. The prefixes including loku, madduma, and poentie very often conveyed the respective ages of children. The word baba(baby) was a preferable alternative to poentje or ‘little one'[ Punchi]. All these pre and suffixes were meaningfully used to distinguish the correct individual. The application or termination of additional names depended very much on the individuals social status especially the honorific ending with vowels subject to change, like

Corneli s>Kornelisa, Janis>Janisa.

Male ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,Female

Nainde ,,,,,,,,,,,, Natjere

Hattan + Nainde ….. .Aroema + Natjere

Dingie + Nainde …… .Kiri + Natjere

Dentre + Nainde ……. Aloka + Nadere

Nainde + Hamie ……. Dinapele + Nadere

Nainde + Appoe…….           Seke + Natjere
Baba + Nainde ………          Seele + Nadere
Lokoe + Nainde ……          .Natto + Natjer
Lama + Natjere                     Anada + Natjere

A mixture of Portuguese Dutch and native names occasionally come across in the Dutch tombos such as,Kannagere Koralage Don Joan (male)

Dona Ettena Hamie

Dona Marie Hamie

Dona Anna Hamie

Dona Estra Hamie.

Certain names given at the baptism by the Portuguese disappeared in the Dutch tombo and some recorded as Dutch version of the name

Portuguese	Dutch
Dom Juan	Jan, Jaan
Dom Jeronimo	[disappeared]
Simao	Simons

The following names given by the Portuguese to Sinhala were hardly used in the Dutch tombos.

Alahendra Cabral

Almeida Caldera

Amadoru Dabarera

Andradi Kurera

Britto Pigera

According To Dr Paranavitane The names of the Portuguese origin have been in vogue at the time of the compilation of tombos.These as he states are

Alwis Mendis

Boteju Pasquel

Cooray Perera

Corea Pieris

Pinto Costa

Salgado Dabare

Silva Fonseka

Mel Soysa

The simplification of the Portuguese or Dutch names was common among the so called lower castes of inhabitants

Adriana (Dutch: Aadriana)

Anika (Dutch: Annake)

Anthona (Poturguese: Anthonao)

Bastiano (Dutch: Bastiaan)

Doeminga (Porruguese: Domingu)

Ederia (Dutch: Aadriaan)

Jantje (Dutch: Jan)

Raphia (Portuguese:Raphael)

Sendirikkuwa (Dutch: Hendrik)

Thomenikkoewa (Pornrguese:Dominik)

Thomisa (Dutch: Thomas)

The officer or the men of higher stature specialty of Karawe and Salagamo castes acquired European name as they were closer to the administrators.

Male Female

Cornelis Anna

Dines Aadrianna

Jacob Cathirina

Mighiei Christina

Pedro Disiana

Pieter Soesanna

There are a considerable number of names recorded in the tombos due to ignorance of the proper pronunciation of native names. viz.

Johanpatatchige Naijnda Hamie

Karokoranage Wrje Appu Nainda

Muntje Nekege Toonan Nainda

2- Wasgama,Varige nama, or Ge-nama, which is the family name which corresponds to Christian name or Surname, used and written before the Christian name.This is a tradition perhaps from the Anuradhapura period where donors of caves identified them selves to a Villages or district or to a trade etc. This practice was followed in the Sigiriya poets who identified them self in a similar manner. Example ‘Vanije Kiyula Gi‘ [ Poem No 24] the Poem of Kitula the trader or‘Ledaru Budal Mi’ – I am Budal the Writer herein the 14 Cent AD, it is Liyanage or Lekam.[Dhammika Parakrama Waidiyaratne].

The list of Dr Paranavitane is shown below dividing the ge names into differ3nt trades.

Name	House	Service Performed
Acharige	Of Blacksmith	-must make the agricultural and other iron utensils for the villagers and for the Company
Arachchige	Of the head of security	-Must Look after the security of the village
Badehelage	Of Potters	must supply earthernware to the Company
Badalge	Of Silversmith	-must make the gold and silver articles the Company requires
Berawage	Of the Drummers	-apart from drumming they have to Attend the elephant hunt where extensive drumming is required
	– House of the Village chief
Guruge	-House of the Teacher	Teaching in the school and maintaining the school tombo
Hewage	House of the Soldier	Carry letters from one post to other
Hunuge	House of the Lime Burner	-must supply lime to the Company
Ilandarige	House of the Messenger	-carry messages and serve as cooly
Kinnrage	House of the MatWeaver	supply necessary mats for the Company
Liyanege/Lekamge	House of the writer	To keep the records
Maliamge	House of the Sailor	help to navigate ships ,recover lost anchors
Manage	House of the Grain-Measurer	-measuring grain in the harvest
Mannange	House of the Grain-Measurer	-as above
Marakkalage	House of the Sailor	-must supply fish to the Governor’s table and to the Company
Nanayakkralage	Nobleman
Paindakarage	House of the Messenger	-must carry messages
Pilliyaguruge	School Master	-teaching and keeping school tombo
Pannikkige	The Barber
Pathirage	House of the Accountant	-must keep grain accounts
Radage	House of the Washerman	Must wash company’s caocoes.
Vitharanege	House of the Inquirer	judicial inquiries settle minor disputes
Wadu-mestrige	House of the Chief Carpenter	-similar to carpenter
Waduge	House of the carpenter	work for the carpentry and the wharf

3- Patabendi nama, or honour-giving name awarded when the head of the family advanced in official status in the Sinhala kingdom or subsequently by the Portuguese and the Dutch regimes.

The third part of the name Patabendi nama, literally ‘frontlet ‘was conferred to a person either by the Sinhalese King or by or Portuguese or the Dutch Governor in appreciation of the recipient’s remarkable service or brave deed. The term patabendi was very often used by the Sinhala Kings when they awarded honorific title to native chief along with an head

Ornament or Front-let. Award of these titles was taxed and contributed considerably to the revenue of the State.

Abayakoon (fearless chief) . Jayasekara(highest of the victorious)

Abayaratna( Gem of the fearless) Manamperi (Great hearted)

Ekanayaka (un-rivelled chief) Navaratna (nine gems)

Illangakoon (King of the Island) Rajapakse (loyal to .king)

Jayasingha(victorious lion) Seneviratna(victorious commander)

Jayawardhana (victory increaser) Wijeratna (victorious gem)

Jayasuriya (sun of victory) Wikramasinghe (victorious lion)

Guna ratne ( Good? Gems)

THE NAME GUNARATNA JAYASINGHE.

This was during the period when Aturugiriya Korale was in existence before the Battle of Mulleriyava.

During the Dutch period this land had to be registered in Tomboos. and there was a requirement for a Christian name for this purpose.They would not register land unless there was a Christian name. The Jayasinghe[ the present Village of Godagama is full of jayasinghe’s] took the name Alvis, and now my grand father was a Aranolis Alvis jayasinghe. Aronolis is German name.

A comment by a reader

I’m sorry, but many Portuguese names here are misspelled: Dom João (not Dom Juan); Dom Jerônimo; Simão; Alexandre (?) (Alahendra), Caldeira; Amador; D’Abreu (Dabarera); Andrade; Correia (Kurera); Figueira (Pigera); Alves. Adriana is a Portuguese female name; Anic(k)a can be diminutive for Ana; Antonio (Anthonao); Sebastião, Bastião or Bastiano are Portuguese; Domingas or Dominga (Doeminga); Rafael (Raphael); Domingos or Domingo (Dominik); Thomas or Tomás is also portuguese.

Emerson