What does Selena mean and where does it come from?
Selena originates from the Greek name Selene, symbolizing the moon. It has been popular in various cultures, including Greek mythology where Selene was the goddess of the moon. The name is used widely in Spanish-speaking countries, maintaining the same meaning. Notable bearers include pop singer Sel
Cultural significance
Selena has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #91 in 1995 — currently #229 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Selena?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Selena?
Selena works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Selena Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Selena Rose
Floral · soft ending
Selena Mae
Sweet · timeless
Selena Claire
French influence · crisp
Selena Jane
Literary · strong
Selena Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Selena right now?
Rising — up 10 spots — currently #229 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #229 | 1,306 | ▲ up 10 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #239 | 1,279 | ▼ down 36 · -12% births |
| 2021 | #203 | 1,452 | ▲ up 38 · +17% births |
| 2020 | #241 | 1,236 | ▲ up 79 · +22% births |
| 2015 | #320 | 1,011 | ▲ up 8 · +3% births |
| 2010 | #328 | 982 | ▼ down 86 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #242 | 1,378 | ▼ down 48 · -16% births |
| 2000 | #194 | 1,644 | ▼ down 103 · -57% births |
| 1995 | #91 | 3,824 | ▲ up 688 · +1360% births |
| 1990 | #779 | 262 | ▼ down 168 · -15% births |
| 1985 | #611 | 310 | ▼ down 140 · -31% births |
| 1980 | #471 | 451 | ▲ up 47 · +31% births |
| 1975 | #518 | 344 | ▲ up 75 · +16% births |
| 1970 | #593 | 297 | ▼ down 13 · +9% births |
| 1965 | #580 | 272 | — |
The story of Selena
Selena has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #91 in 1995. A total of 53,358 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #928 in 1880 to #229 in 2023. Selena is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Selena in 1995:
Selena by decade
Selena peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 102 | |
| 1890s | 143 | |
| 1900s | 179 | |
| 1910s | 318 | |
| 1920s | 424 | |
| 1930s | 327 | |
| 1940s | 455 | |
| 1950s | 965 | |
| 1960s | 2,534 | |
| 1970s | 4,845 | |
| 1980s | 3,362 | |
| 1990s ★ | 15,073 | |
| 2000s | 12,427 | |
| 2010s | 10,968 | |
| 2020s | 1,236 | |
What are good nicknames for Selena?
Famous people named Selena
S(
Selena (Greek mythological figure)
Selena carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
S(
Selena (Byzantine leader)
Selena used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
S(
Selena (Greek poet or artist)
Selena helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
S(
Selena (modern Greek athlete)
Selena brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Selena?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Selena also consider these
How is Selena written in other languages?
Селена
Russian), Σεληνη (Ancient Greek
Common questions about the name Selena
What does the name Selena mean?
Selena means "Greek" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Selena?
Selena is currently ranked #229 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Selena?
Selena originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Selena?
Selena is a three-syllable name pronounced S AH0 L IY1 N AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Selena?
Selena pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.