Selena
Selena is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Moon”, pronounced seh-LEE-nuh. It ranked #268 in the United States in 2025, given to 1,170 babies, and peaked at #91 in 1995. Common nicknames: Sel, Lena, Selly.
How popular is Selena 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 Selena mean, and where does it come from?
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.
How is Selena used around the world?
Selena is used in 2 languages worldwide, with 4+ international variants.
TypeFemale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Selena?
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
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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.