Selena

Moon — a girl name of Greek origin

GenderGirl
OriginGreek
MeaningMoon
Pronunciationseh-LEE-nuh

Popularity of Selena in the United States

#268Rank in 2025
1,170Births in 2025
#91 in 1995Peak Popularity
→ Stable10-Year Trend

Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.

Meaning & Origin of Selena

Selena is derived from the Greek name Selene, the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. Selene was the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and she drove her moon chariot across the night sky. The name carries a luminous, celestial beauty that has made it enduringly attractive. In the modern era, Selena became iconic through the beloved Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla, whose life and tragic early death at age 23 cemented her as a cultural legend. Selena Gomez later brought renewed attention to the name in pop culture.

Selena Around the World

Selena is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.

Languages
EnglishDutch
Details

TypeFemale given name

International Variants
Selina
Solène
SeleneItalian
Salena

Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.

Nicknames for Selena

SelLenaSelly

Famous People Named Selena

  • Selena Quintanilla — American Tejano singer, the "Queen of Tejano music"
  • Selena Gomez — American singer, actress, and producer
  • Selene — Greek goddess of the moon

Similar Names to Selena

If you like Selena, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.

Also consider:Diana

Sibling Name Ideas for Selena

Looking for names that pair well with Selena? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Selena mean?

Selena is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Moon." Selena is derived from the Greek name Selene, the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. Selene was the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and she drove her moon chariot across the night sky.

How do you pronounce Selena?

Selena is pronounced seh-LEE-nuh. Common variations include Selene, Celena, Selina.

Is Selena a girl name?

Yes, Selena is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Sel, Lena, Selly.

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