Origin
Madawala is of Sinhalese origin, deriving from Sri Lanka, where it is used as both a place name and a personal name. The name is associated with the town of Madawala in Sri Lanka, which has historical significance in Buddhist and Sinhalese communities. While not traditionally Australian, the name has been adopted by some Sri Lankan Australians, reflecting a multicultural aspect of Australia's population.
Meaning
The literal translation of Madawala in Sinhalese relates to a place that historically was associated with a temple or religious site ('Madha' meaning 'mental' or 'mind' and 'wela' meaning 'area' or 'region'). In Australian contexts, it often carries connotations of cultural identity and heritage from Sri Lanka.
Pronunciation
/ˌmædəˈwɑːlə/ (Australian English) with emphasis on the third syllable, 'wuh-LAH'. Order of syllables: ma-da-WA-la, with a soft 'a' in the first, and the final 'a' as in 'car'.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Madawala (original, Sinhalese)
- Madawala (Romanised form)
- Madawela (alternative spelling in Sri Lanka)
Nicknames
- Mada
- Wala
Name Days
- Monday, 8 May (Sri Lankan Buddhist Poya days celebrating Buddhist events)
- Sri Lankan New Year (approximately April 13-14, cultural celebration) from the Sinhalese calendar.
- Māori celebrations are typically associated with Matariki (Maori New Year) around June/July, but these are not linked to Madawala specifically.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with madawala:
- Aria Madawala and Lily Madawala
- Sophie Madawala and Emma Madawala
- Chloe Madawala and Zoe Madawala
Fun Facts
- Madawala is also a surname in Sri Lanka, making it a dual-use name.
- The town of Madawala has been a centre for education and cultural events in Sri Lanka.
- The name has gained recognition among the Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia, symbolising cultural continuity.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name madawala:
- Culturally proud
- Family-oriented
- Spiritual and community-minded
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a distinctive, flowing look with balanced syllables, making it visually appealing especially in written form; it embodies cultural elegance.
Geographical Distribution
Most commonly found in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland among Sri Lankan Australian populations, with some occurrences in South Australia and Western Australia.
Numerological Significance
Name number 4, associated with stability, practicality, and strong foundations, fitting for a name rooted in cultural history and community ties; this may influence personality traits perceived in individuals.
Astrological Connections
No specific astrological associations, though individuals may relate it to characteristics of stability and harmony in western astrology based on numerology.
Historical Context
Madawala has been used historically in Sri Lanka among Sinhalese communities, with the name carrying religious and cultural significance linked to Buddhist traditions and educational institutions. In Australian context, it symbolizes heritage and multicultural community identity.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name maintains its original form in most contexts but can be adapted phonetically in different languages, e.g., Madawale in Italian or modified spellings for ease of pronunciation in Western contexts.
Famous People Named madawala
- There are no widely known Australians with the name Madawala, but the name is prominent within Sri Lankan diaspora communities.
- Madawala Balika Vidyalaya
- a renowned Sri Lankan girls' school.
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2016 | 1 |