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Origin, Meaning, And History of Selena
Selena is a pleasant feminine name of Greek origin, meaning “the moon.” It is derived from the word “selas,” meaning “bright.” In Latin, the name has been derived from the word “caelum,” meaning “sky” or “heaven.”
The name first gained popularity in the 19th century, during the Romantic era, when there was a renewed interest in ancient Greek mythology and culture. Selena is known by the name Selene or Mene, the personification of the moon. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman with long hair and a serene expression, riding across the sky in a chariot pulled by two white horses. Selene is traditionally the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia and the sister of the Sun God Helios and the Dawn Goddess Eos. Among the Romans, Selene was known as Luna, who had the power to light the night.
The name Selena is pronounced differently in different languages and cultures. These variations include Celine in French, Selma in German, Salena in Arabic, Selin in Turkish, Selina in English, and Ximena in Spanish. Each variation has its unique meaning and cultural significance, reflecting the popularity and enduring appeal of the name Selena worldwide.
Selena is also a popular name in the fictional world and media. Here are some notable characters bearing this name. Selena occurs in the 1956 novel ‘Peyton Place’ by American author Grace Metalious. In the novel that was later adapted into a film, Selena Cross is a fictional character appearing in the sequel ‘Return To Peyton Place.’ Selena also appears in the 2002 British post-apocalyptic horror film ‘28 Days Later’ where Selena, portrayed by Naomie Harris, is a survivor of the Rage Virus.
This name has consistently been popular in modern times, particularly in the United States and Latin America. It is a feminine, graceful, and elegant name that is often chosen by parents who want to give their daughters a name with a celestial or iconic character.
How To Pronounce Selena?
Famous People With The Name Selena
- Selena GomezAmerican singer and actress known for ‘Barney And Friends’
- Selena QuintanillaAmerican singer called The Queen of Tejano music
- Selena CuffeAmerican businesswoman, co-founder of Heritage Link Brands
- Selena PiekDutch badminton player specializing in doubles
- Selena CoppaFormer Military Intelligence Sergeant, US Army
Selena On The Popularity Chart
Selena has been a consistent favorite among new parents. Check out this graphical representation of how the popularity and ranking changed over the past decade.
Popularity Over Time
Selena’s popularity began to rise in the 1970s and 1980s, but it was in 1995 that it surged in adulation. It continues to be a popular name, with over 1443 babies per million in 2021 having it.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The name peaked in popularity in the mid-1990s when it was in the top 100 names for baby girls in the United States. However, in the following years, the name gradually began to decline in popularity.
Source: Social Security AdministrationNames With Similar Sound As Selena
Does the gentle sound of Selena enchant you? Then, look at these similar-sounding names that you may wish to consider.
Names With Similar Meaning As Selena
Looking for names inspired by the moon? Here are some more options that denote brilliance and shine.
Name Numerology For Selena
