Selene

“The name Selene comes from the Ancient Greek word for moon (σελήνη)”

Greek origin · Unisex name

♂ 0% boys♀ 100% girls

#708US 2023

401Births / yr

↓Falling

7.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 191900.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Selene

sul·EEN

/səl.ˈiːn/ · stress on EEN · 2 syllables

“The name Selene comes from the Ancient Greek word for moon (σελήνη)”

Greek origin · Unisex name

What does Selene mean and where does it come from?

The name Selene comes from the Ancient Greek word for moon (σελήνη). In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon, often depicted riding a chariot across the night sky. This name has maintained its popularity due to its celestial connotations and melodic quality. Variations include 'Luna'

Cultural significance

Selene has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.

Peak popularity

Reached #800 in 2020 — currently #708 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Selene?

Selene works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Selene Grace

How popular is Selene right now?

Declining — down 17 spots — currently #708 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1945–2023#708 · Top 0.52%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#708	401	▼ down 17 · -6% births
2022	#691	425	▲ up 33 · +7% births
2021	#724	396	▲ up 76 · +18% births
2020	#800	335	▲ up 379 · +57% births
2015	#1179	214	▲ up 133 · +20% births
2010	#1312	179	▲ up 2 · +7% births
2005	#1314	168	▲ up 231 · +45% births
2000	#1545	116	▼ down 580 · -41% births
1995	#965	196	▲ up 103 · +18% births
1990	#1068	166	▲ up 1379 · +315% births
1985	#2447	40	▼ down 478 · -26% births
1980	#1969	54	▲ up 67 · +26% births
1975	#2036	43	▼ down 224 · -12% births
1970	#1812	49	▼ down 30 · +20% births
1965	#1782	41	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Selene

Best Year2022Rank #691

Peak Count425

Average Rank#1774

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1945 - 202319 years

The story of Selene

Selene entered American naming records in 1919 and has been in use for over 105 years. With 7,587 total births recorded, Selene remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3291 in 1945 to #708 in 2023. Selene is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.

Names that peaked alongside Selene in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Selene by decade

Selene peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	5
1920s	23
1930s	12
1940s	79
1950s	161
1960s	359
1970s	472
1980s	481
1990s	1,613
2000s	1,708
2010s ★	2,339
2020s	335

💎With 7,587 total births, Selene is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Selene?

Common

SelSelieSelyEne

Famous people named Selene

Selene (ancient philosopher)

Selene bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.

Selene (Greek mythological figure)

Selene carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Selene (Byzantine leader)

Selene used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Selene (Greek poet or artist)

Selene helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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How is Selene written in other languages?

Σεληνη

Greek

Common questions about the name Selene

What does the name Selene mean?

Selene 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 Selene?

Selene is currently ranked #708 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Selene have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Selene?

Selene 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 Selene?

Selene is a two-syllable name pronounced S AH0 L IY1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Selene trending right now?

Selene is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.