What does Selina mean and where does it come from?
Selina is believed to derive from the Greek name Selene (Σελήνη), which means 'moon'. It has historical roots in Greek mythology where Selene was the goddess of the moon. The name became popular in English-speaking countries during the 19th century and is often associated with charm and beauty. It h
Cultural significance
Selina has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of moon.
Peak popularity
Reached #371 in 1995 — currently #1346 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Selina?
Selina works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Selina Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Selina Rose
Floral · soft ending
Selina Mae
Sweet · timeless
Selina Claire
French influence · crisp
Selina Jane
Literary · strong
Selina Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Selina right now?
Rising fast — up 63 spots — currently #1346 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1346 | 168 | ▲ up 63 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1409 | 162 | ▼ down 117 · -8% births |
| 2021 | #1292 | 176 | ▲ up 74 · +11% births |
| 2020 | #1366 | 158 | ▼ down 229 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #1137 | 222 | ▼ down 12 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #1125 | 218 | ▼ down 270 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #855 | 295 | ▼ down 44 · +6% births |
| 2000 | #811 | 279 | ▼ down 440 · -60% births |
| 1995 | #371 | 704 | ▲ up 393 · +162% births |
| 1990 | #764 | 269 | ▼ down 83 · +2% births |
| 1985 | #681 | 264 | ▲ up 41 · +14% births |
| 1980 | #722 | 232 | ▲ up 146 · +51% births |
| 1975 | #868 | 154 | ▲ up 17 · +3% births |
| 1970 | #885 | 150 | ▼ down 260 · -39% births |
| 1965 | #625 | 244 | — |
The story of Selina
Selina has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 18,357 babies have received this name. Once ranked #574 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1346 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Selina in 1995:
Selina by decade
Selina peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 110 | |
| 1890s | 185 | |
| 1900s | 173 | |
| 1910s | 281 | |
| 1920s | 282 | |
| 1930s | 161 | |
| 1940s | 191 | |
| 1950s | 644 | |
| 1960s | 2,148 | |
| 1970s | 2,271 | |
| 1980s | 2,659 | |
| 1990s ★ | 4,173 | |
| 2000s | 2,691 | |
| 2010s | 2,230 | |
| 2020s | 158 | |
What are good nicknames for Selina?
What names sound and feel like Selina?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Selina also consider these
Common questions about the name Selina
What does the name Selina mean?
Selina means "Moon" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Selina?
Selina is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Selina?
Selina originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Selina?
Selina pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Selina a common or rare name?
Selina is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.