78 Sinhala Boy Names That Unite Cultures And Traditions

Embrace the beauty of this island nation by adopting the best of their names.

Written by Angela Alex, MA Specialty: Baby NamesExperience: 2 years

Angela is an honors student with a master's degree in Linguistics from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Her combined interest in history and the science of language has taught her the skills to understand how language and its use have changed over time.

Read full bio of Angela Alex

Edited by Srija Chanda Burman, MA, PG Dip. Specialty: Relationships, Baby NamesExperience: 3 years

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG Diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in editing ranges across niches, including academics, human psychology, and child development.

Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman

Fact-checked by Ratika Pai, M.Com Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 6 years

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

Read full bio of Ratika Pai

Last Updated on Nov 26, 2024

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Sinhala baby boy names are deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's rich history, culture, and tradition. Historically, Sinhala boy names have evolved over centuries and have been influenced by various factors such as colonization, religion, and migration. Ancient Sinhalese names are believed to be associated with Buddhism, Vedic or Puranic gods, lunar asterisms (the nakshatras), demi-gods, sacred flora-fauna, Pali literature, and good virtues (1).

A traditional Sinhalese name typically consists of two or three parts, of which the first part is the patronymic name, followed by the given name and the surname. However, some individuals may have just the house name or ancestral name, represented by the suffix 'ge' or 'ghe'. In Sinhalese culture, babies are given their names during the traditional naming ceremony called 'Nam Tebima’. This special event is performed on an auspicious date and time as suggested by an astrologer. The astrologer or learned priest chooses suitable characters for the child's name based on their time of birth, and then the elders suggest an appropriate name for the child.

Sinhala names also reflect the multicultural influences of the country. Due to historical trade and interaction with neighboring countries, names from Tamil, Malay, and other regional languages have also become a part of the naming landscape. In addition, some Sinhalese communities adopted names from English, Christian, and Portuguese due to the advent of colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. However, while embracing these influences, the Sinhalese community continued to maintain its traditional naming practices and allowed the amalgamation of names from other cultures to exemplify its cultural inclusivity. Thus, to provide you with a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, we have thoughtfully drafted this list that beautifully captures the timeless legacy of Sinhalese names.

Name	Gender	Meaning
Ishan	Boy	Master; Lord; Shiva
Arjan	Boy	From Hadria; Procuring; Earning; Acquiring; Gaining; Golden life
Shivin	Boy	Auspicious; Dear; Favorable
Sarath	Boy	Autumn
Kaushal	Boy	He who is clever; Skill; Cleverness; Experience
Dilshan	Unisex	Ruler of hearts
Sanura	Girl	Kitten
Chamari	Girl	Yak; Fly-whisk
Dilani	Unisex	Lion; Love; Loyal; Faithful; To flow; Towards the tide
Indika	Unisex	Person from India

Amul	Boy	Priceless; Valuable; Precious; Hope; Radical; Rootless
Esh	Boy	God; Lord; Master; Head; Wish
Gayan	Boy	Sing; Sky; Song
Lalith	Boy	Playful; Charming; Desirable
Lashith	Boy	A Sri Lankan name
Manil	Boy	Jewel of a Son; Gem of a Son; Precious; Gem
Omya	Boy	Help; Kindness; Favor
Rajin	Boy	Shining; Splendid; One of horses of lord Moon
Ruwan	Boy	Gem
Asanka	Boy	Fearless; One witout doubt

Awadh	Boy	One who can never get killed; Indestructible; Irresistible
Chakor	Boy	Greek partridge, fabled to survive on moonbeams
Chaminda	Boy	An experienced person
Chatura	Boy	Fosterer of genius
Hetuwa	Boy	An old Sri Lankan name
Jagath	Boy	World; Universe
Kosala	Boy	The name means Lion
Marvan	Boy	Flint; Pebble
Nimal	Boy	Pure; Blameless; Brilliant
Pediya	Boy	A strong and powerful individual

Piraichudan	Boy	A person who loves horses
Ranjith	Boy	Colored; Pleased; Delighted; Victorious in battle
Revant	Boy	Wealthy; Opulent; Brilliant; Handsome
Sajith	Boy	Superior; Victorious
Ajantha	Boy	He who is creative; Name of a famous Buddhist cave
Amithnal	Boy	A loving and wise leader
Asiri	Boy	Blessings
Athula	Boy	Something that's immeasurable; Incomparable
Banduka	Boy	He who is outstanding
Chamara	Boy	Expressive

Champaka	Boy	A flower
Chathura	Boy	He who is skillful, smart, and genius
Chrishantha	Boy	Social; A sociable being
Duminda	Boy	The Bo tree; Bodhi tree
Erajh	Boy	Morning light
Geethan	Boy	He who gains honor through songs
Insith	Boy	A leader's heart
Iranga	Boy	Expressive
Jeewana	Boy	Life or giving life
Kavith	Boy	Poet

Kovider	Boy	Wisdom
Manura	Boy	Good for mankind
Nelith	Boy	Personification of law
Nethaka	Boy	He who has the ability for legal argument
Nishantha	Boy	Night's end; Dawn
Pamu	Boy	Chief
Ranuga	Boy	He who journeys with gold
Sandun	Boy	Sandalwood
Sanhitha	Boy	He who is good-hearted
Sanjeeva	Boy	A form of Sanjeev; It means living or reviving

Sansuka	Boy	Good comfort
Sasrutha	Boy	Personification of truth
Shalinka	Boy	He who is modest
Shanilka	Boy	One who is determined and confident man
Sriyani	Boy	Light; Luster; Radiance; Splendor
Suvik	Boy	One with a speedy health
Tharindu	Boy	Moon
Tharupiyum	Boy	A star-like lotus
Thehan	Boy	Threefold honors
Thirana	Boy	Permanent honor

Vimukhti	Boy	A variant of Moksha; Emancipation
Vinsanda	Boy	He who enjoys with his heart
Visvadinu	Boy	He who has won the universe
Theshana	Boy	Gift of god
Ashane	Boy	Grace; Favoured; God is gracious; God has shown favour
Agara	Boy	House; The dwelling place
Oshan	Boy	Deliver us; A little warm
Haseem	Unisex	Crusher; Breaker

Sinhala boy baby names encompass a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and traditional practices. The Sinhalese community has carefully preserved their naming customs for generations, ensuring that each chosen name carries unique significance and symbolism. The above-given Sinhalese names are among the some that not only carry individualized symbolism but also serve as a link to the region’s vibrant past, reflecting the multifaceted identity and the deep-rooted ancestry of the Sinhalese people.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the meaning of the name "Kasun" in Sinhala?

In the Sinhala or Srilankan language, ‘Kasun’ means ‘gold’ or ‘golden.’ It can be used to signify radiance, brightness, brilliance, and preciousness.

2. What are some culturally significant Sinhala baby boy names?

Sinhala baby boy names might be inspired by historical, religious, or symbolic roots and hold cultural and traditional significance. For example, the name Duminda in Sinhala means Bodhi tree, Kannan, is a name for Lord Krishna, and Theshana means gift of God.

3. Are there any popular baby boy names common across multiple cultures in Sri Lanka?

Popular boy names that are common across Sri Lanka include Rehan (scented, sweet basil), Tavish (strong and energetic), Agara (emigration or flight), Viran (strong hero), Omal (tender and soft), and Eshan (worthy, God’s grace).

4. What is the role of astrology in choosing a Sinhala baby boy's name?

Astrology plays important in Sinhalese naming traditions. The astrologer notes the exact time and day of the birth while picking out the best initials for your baby. They are also used to determine the baby's zodiac sign and suggest a few character traits that the child might possess.

Infographic: Popular Sinhala Names With Meanings For Baby Boys

Deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's rich historical and traditional heritage, Sinhala names reflect the country's multicultural influences. These names are also popular among other communities since Sinhala names sound pleasing and unique. We have compiled some of the best ones in the infographic if you are exploring a Sinhala name for your son.

popular sinhala names with meanings for baby boys (infographic)

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Personal names of ancient Sinhalese.
http://www.worldgenweb.org/lkawgw/sinhalanames.htm

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.