Selena Girl
Origin(s)
Pronunciationsuh-LEE-nah / /səˈliː.nə/Greek; Latin; Spanish
Meaning
Greek: moon; Latin: heavenly; Spanish: serene
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Selena has its roots in the ancient Greek word 'selēnē', which translates to 'moon'. This etymology is linked to the Greek goddess Selene, who personified the moon and was often depicted as a beautiful woman driving a chariot across the night sky. The name entered the Latin language as 'Selena', maintaining its association with lunar imagery. The transition into English occurred through the influence of Latin and later through the adoption of Greek mythology into the broader cultural narratives of Europe during the Renaissance period, when classical names gained renewed interest.
Historically, the name Selena has been associated with various figures in literature and mythology. In the context of Christianity, the name has been linked to saints, although it is less common than other names derived from biblical sources. The name appears in various forms across cultures, including 'Selina', which has been used in English literature since at least the 18th century. Notably, the name was popularized in part by literary works, such as the character Selina in the 19th-century novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo' by Alexandre Dumas, which contributed to its recognition in Western literature.
Culturally, the name Selena carries connotations of beauty, femininity, and mystery, often associated with the moon's serene and enchanting qualities. This symbolic resonance has allowed the name to endure across generations, appealing to various artistic and literary expressions. Additionally, the name has been used in various languages and cultures, reflecting its adaptability and the universal allure of its lunar connections. The diminutive 'Sel' has also been used in some contexts, though the full form remains the most recognized.
Trend Summary
Selena has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., peaking in the 1990s and maintaining a steady presence since.
Similar Names
Variants
- Selina
- Salina
International Variants
- Selene (Greek)
- Célina (French)
- Selenia (Italian)
Famous people named Selena
Selena Gomez is a singer and actress best known for Wizards of Waverly Place, Come & Get It, and Only Murders in the Building.
Selena Quintanilla is a singer and songwriter best known for Amor Prohibido, Dreaming of You, and Baila Esta Cumbia.
Fictional characters named Selena
Selena Kyle is a fictional character from the DC Comics universe. She is also known as Catwoman, a skilled thief and occasional ally and love interest of Batman.
Selena Gomez is a fictional character from the TV series Wizards of Waverly Place. She is a teenage wizard navigating the challenges of adolescence and magical training.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Selena was first seen in the United States in 1880. Selena has ranked as high as #185 nationally, which occurred in 1995, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Selena has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Selena (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 256 | |
TX | 164 | |
FL | 89 | |
NY | 50 | |
IL | 50 | |
AZ | 46 | |
NJ | 41 | |
NC | 37 | |
WA | 33 | |
PA | 33 | |
VA | 30 | |
OH | 29 | |
CO | 27 | |
GA | 27 | |
MD | 22 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 5 |
1881 | 7 |
1882 | 5 |
1883 | 6 |
1884 | 11 |
1885 | 15 |
1886 | 10 |
1887 | 14 |
1888 | 18 |
1889 | 11 |
1890 | 14 |
1891 | 17 |
1892 | 11 |
1893 | 16 |
1894 | 13 |
1895 | 11 |
1896 | 13 |
1897 | 16 |
1898 | 21 |
1899 | 11 |
1900 | 20 |
1901 | 17 |
1902 | 17 |
1903 | 23 |
1904 | 17 |
1905 | 15 |
1906 | 16 |
1907 | 14 |
1908 | 19 |
1909 | 21 |
1910 | 21 |
1911 | 23 |
1912 | 28 |
1913 | 27 |
1914 | 37 |
1915 | 40 |
1916 | 34 |
1917 | 35 |
1918 | 32 |
1919 | 41 |
1920 | 46 |
1921 | 44 |
1922 | 43 |
1923 | 44 |
1924 | 37 |
1925 | 43 |
1926 | 45 |
1927 | 36 |
1928 | 40 |
1929 | 46 |
1930 | 44 |
1931 | 25 |
1932 | 31 |
1933 | 38 |
1934 | 25 |
1935 | 29 |
1936 | 25 |
1937 | 35 |
1938 | 35 |
1939 | 40 |
1940 | 22 |
1941 | 27 |
1942 | 41 |
1943 | 42 |
1944 | 64 |
1945 | 50 |
1946 | 41 |
1947 | 50 |
1948 | 57 |
1949 | 61 |
1950 | 58 |
1951 | 69 |
1952 | 90 |
1953 | 67 |
1954 | 85 |
1955 | 59 |
1956 | 53 |
1957 | 58 |
1958 | 212 |
1959 | 214 |
1960 | 198 |
1961 | 257 |
1962 | 241 |
1963 | 206 |
1964 | 226 |
1965 | 272 |
1966 | 298 |
1967 | 294 |
1968 | 271 |
1969 | 271 |
1970 | 297 |
1971 | 435 |
1972 | 357 |
1973 | 589 |
1974 | 446 |
1975 | 344 |
1976 | 464 |
1977 | 791 |
1978 | 597 |
1979 | 522 |
1980 | 451 |
1981 | 454 |
1982 | 391 |
1983 | 367 |
1984 | 368 |
1985 | 310 |
1986 | 282 |
1987 | 246 |
1988 | 212 |
1989 | 281 |
1990 | 263 |
1991 | 313 |
1992 | 375 |
1993 | 663 |
1994 | 918 |
1995 | 3,825 |
1996 | 2,291 |
1997 | 1,998 |
1998 | 2,278 |
1999 | 2,118 |
2000 | 1,645 |
2001 | 1,485 |
2002 | 1,288 |
2003 | 1,179 |
2004 | 1,242 |
2005 | 1,379 |
2006 | 1,164 |
2007 | 1,059 |
2008 | 957 |
2009 | 1,019 |
2010 | 983 |
2011 | 986 |
2012 | 1,052 |
2013 | 943 |
2014 | 960 |
2015 | 1,014 |
2016 | 1,125 |
2017 | 1,305 |
2018 | 1,316 |
2019 | 1,334 |
2020 | 1,242 |
2021 | 1,452 |
2022 | 1,279 |
2023 | 1,306 |
2024 | 1,289 |