Surname map of SHANMUGASUNITHARAM

Surname: Shanmugasunitharam

Origins of the surname Shanmugasunitharam

The surname Shanmugasunitharam originates from the Tamil-speaking communities of South India and Sri Lanka. It is a compound name formed by combining "Shanmuga" and "Sunitharam". "Shanmuga" refers to Lord Murugan, the Hindu deity associated with war and victory, while "Sunitharam" is a Tamil name meaning 'good conduct' or 'virtuous'. Together, the name can be interpreted as 'the virtuous devotee of Lord Murugan', reflecting a deep cultural and religious significance.

The meaning of the surname Shanmugasunitharam is a combination of divine association and moral virtue, signifying a person who embodies righteousness and is devoted to Lord Murugan. This reflects the cultural and religious values prevalent in Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, where such compound names are common.

The variants of the surname Shanmugasunitharam include several phonetic and orthographic variations, such as Shanmugasunitharaman, Shanmugasunitharamoorthy, and Shanmugasunitharaj. These variations arise due to differences in transliteration from Tamil to English and regional linguistic preferences. While the core elements of the name remain consistent, these variations can be found in different records and genealogical databases.

Distribution of the surname Shanmugasunitharam

The surname Shanmugasunitharam is predominantly found in South India, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu, and in Sri Lanka, especially among Tamil communities. It is also present among Tamil diaspora communities in countries such as Canada, where approximately 5% of individuals with the surname reside, and the United Kingdom, where about 4% are found. In the United Kingdom, surnames of Tamil origin, including Shanmugasunitharam, are typically found within communities of South Asian descent, especially those with ancestral ties to Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.

Globally, the surname is less common and is primarily concentrated in regions with significant Tamil populations. The distribution reflects historical migration patterns, including the movement of Tamil laborers and professionals to various parts of the world during the colonial era and in more recent decades.

Famous people with the surname Shanmugasunitharam

Among the famous people who bear the surname Shanmugasunitharam is Shanmugasundaram, a veteran Tamil actor known for his work in Tamil cinema. He began his career as an actor by starring in Ratha Thilagam (1963) and Karnan (1964), and continued his career for seven decades. He has acted in over 500 films in the Tamil film industry and was also a dubbing artist. He passed away on August 15, 2017.