Sarath

Sarath is a masculine given name used in South Asia, especially in India and Sri Lanka. It is common among Tamil and Sinhala communities and appears in several other linguistic groups with varying spellings.

Origins and meaning of the name are diverse and language dependent. In some traditions it is linked to Sanskrit roots and has been interpreted in connection with autumn or with chariots, while in other contexts it is treated as a general given name without a single fixed meaning.

Geographic distribution and usage reflect the name’s South Asian roots. In India it is found in Tamil-speaking regions such as Tamil Nadu and among Indian diaspora communities, while in Sri Lanka it is used by both Tamil and Sinhalese populations. The name is also encountered among Sri Lankan and Indian expatriates around the world.

Notable people named Sarath include Sarath Fonseka, a Sri Lankan army general and film actor; Sarath Kumar, an Indian actor and former politician; and Sarath Babu, a Tamil film actor. As with many names, it appears in various professional fields and across generations.

Variants in spelling include Sharat and Sarat, reflecting differences in transliteration from regional languages and scripts.