Selah
Selah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning “To pause and reflect”, pronounced SEE-luh. It ranked #216 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,416 babies, and peaked at #216 in 2025. Common nicknames: Sel, Lah.
How popular is Selah in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Selah mean, and where does it come from?
Selah is a Hebrew word that appears more than seventy times in the Book of Psalms, believed to be a musical or liturgical direction instructing the reader to pause and reflect. Its exact meaning has been debated by scholars for centuries, with interpretations ranging from "pause," to "lift up," to a simple musical rest. As a given name, Selah has a serene, meditative quality that appeals to parents drawn to spiritually meaningful, uncommon biblical words. It has risen quickly in popularity in the 21st century.
How is Selah used around the world?
Selah is used in 1 languages worldwide.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Selah?
Famous People Named Selah
- Selah Marley — American model, daughter of Lauryn Hill
- Selah Sue — Belgian singer-songwriter
Similar Names to Selah
If you like Selah, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Selah
Looking for names that pair well with Selah? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Selah mean?
Selah is a girl name of Hebrew origin meaning "To pause and reflect." Selah is a Hebrew word that appears more than seventy times in the Book of Psalms, believed to be a musical or liturgical direction instructing the reader to pause and reflect. Its exact meaning has been debated by scholars for centuries, with interpretations ranging from "pause," to "lift up," to a simple musical rest.
How do you pronounce Selah?
Selah is pronounced SEE-luh. Common variations include Selah, Seelah, Sela.
Is Selah a girl name?
Yes, Selah is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Sel, Lah.