Singhalese
/ˌsɪŋ.ɡəˈliːz/noun
An alternative spelling of Sinhalese, relating to Sri Lanka, its people, or the Sinhala language.
Did you know?The name is traditionally connected with Sanskrit siṃha, “lion,” but whether Sri Lanka’s ancient name literally meant “lion-abode” remains uncertain among scholars.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sengʷʰ-
“A reconstructed root associated with the lion; its exact relationship to later Sanskrit forms is debated.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
siṃha
“Lion.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Siṃhala
“An ancient name associated with Sri Lanka; traditionally interpreted as referring to lions, though the derivation is disputed.”
Ancient and Medieval Pali
Pali
Sīhala
“The island or people of Sri Lanka; the source of later Sinhala-related forms.”
14th–16th Century
Portuguese/Dutch
Ceilão / Ceylon
“European forms for Sri Lanka, derived through earlier South Asian names rather than directly from English.”
Modern English
English
Sinhalese / Singhalese
“The standard and variant English forms referring to the Sinhala people, language, or culture.”