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Selena Girl

Popularity: #231 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 256
21%
TX 164
13%
FL 89
7%
NY 50
4%
IL 50
4%
AZ 46
4%
NJ 41
3%
NC 37
3%
WA 33
3%
PA 33
3%
VA 30
2%
OH 29
2%
CO 27
2%
GA 27
2%
MD 22
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18805
18817
18825
18836
188411
188515
188610
188714
188818
188911
189014
189117
189211
189316
189413
189511
189613
189716
189821
189911
190020
190117
190217
190323
190417
190515
190616
190714
190819
190921
191021
191123
191228
191327
191437
191540
191634
191735
191832
191941
192046
192144
192243
192344
192437
192543
192645
192736
192840
192946
193044
193125
193231
193338
193425
193529
193625
193735
193835
193940
194022
194127
194241
194342
194464
194550
194641
194750
194857
194961
195058
195169
195290
195367
195485
195559
195653
195758
1958212
1959214
1960198
1961257
1962241
1963206
1964226
1965272
1966298
1967294
1968271
1969271
1970297
1971435
1972357
1973589
1974446
1975344
1976464
1977791
1978597
1979522
1980451
1981454
1982391
1983367
1984368
1985310
1986282
1987246
1988212
1989281
1990263
1991313
1992375
1993663
1994918
19953,825
19962,291
19971,998
19982,278
19992,118
20001,645
20011,485
20021,288
20031,179
20041,242
20051,379
20061,164
20071,059
2008957
20091,019
2010983
2011986
20121,052
2013943
2014960
20151,014
20161,125
20171,305
20181,316
20191,334
20201,242
20211,452
20221,279
20231,306
20241,289