Selena Name Meaning (Origin, Popularity & Nicknames)

Selena is a name that glimmers with starlight and musical history. It manages to feel both ancient and incredibly modern at the same time. On one hand, it carries the weight of Greek mythology and the ethereal beauty of the night sky; on the other, it pulses with the rhythm of Tejano music and modern pop culture thanks to two massive icons who bore the name.

It is a “liquid” name, meaning it flows off the tongue without any hard stops or harsh consonants, making it sound gentle, feminine, and sophisticated. It fits perfectly alongside other romantic, vowel-heavy names like Elena, Isabella, and Sophia, yet it retains a distinct celestial sparkle that sets it apart.

The name Selena originates from the Greek word for the moon, derived from “selas,” meaning “light” or “brightness.” It is the Latinized version of Selene, the Titan goddess who drove her moon chariot across the heavens.

Verdict: Selena is a stellar choice for a baby born in 2025. It offers the perfect balance of recognition and uniqueness; everyone knows how to pronounce it, but your daughter won’t likely be one of five Selenas in her kindergarten class. It is a name with star power that remains grounded in beautiful history.

Selena Overview

• Meaning: Selena means the moon goddess, or simply “the moon,” “light,” and “brightness.”
• Gender: Selena is usually a feminine name.
• Origin: Selena has a Greek and Latin origin. It comes from the Greek word “selas” for light and also has its roots in the Ancient Greek moon goddess Selene.
• Pronunciation: Selena is pronounced “Suh-LEE-nuh.”
• Popularity: Selena is a popular name and is regularly in the top 200 US girl names.
• Nicknames: Eenie, Lean, Leenie, Lena, Lina, Sel, Selie
• Variations: Celene, Selene, Selinda, Seline, Sylena.
• Namesakes: Selena Forrest, Selena Gomez, Selena Li, Selena Millares, Selena Quintanilla Pérez.

In This Article

• Meaning of Selena
• Where Does the Name Selena Come From?
• Popularity of Selena
• Pronunciation of Selena
• Gender of Selena
• Variations
• Nicknames
• Names Similar to Selena
• Middle Names
• Sibling Names
• Famous People
• Selena in Pop Culture
• FAQs About the Name Selena

What Does Selena Mean?

Selena is a name steeped in brilliance. While a dictionary definition will tell you it simply means “moon,” the etymology is far more descriptive. It derives from the Greek selas, which translates to “light,” “brightness,” or “gleam.” Therefore, the name doesn’t just refer to the physical rock in the sky, but rather the glowing radiance the moon provides.

In mythology, Selene (the precursor to Selena) was the Titan goddess of the moon. Unlike the later Olympian goddess Artemis, who was associated with the moon but also hunting and wilderness, Selene was the literal personification of the moon itself. She was often depicted driving a silver chariot pulled by two winged horses across the night sky.

Because of this, the name implies luminosity, guidance in the dark, and a serene, celestial beauty. It can effectively mean “lightness” or just “the moon.”

Where Does the Name Selena Come From?

The name Selena is the Latinized variation of the Greek girl’s name Selene.

Historically, the name evolved as the Romans adopted Greek myths. While the Romans had their own moon goddess, Luna, the name Selena persisted in Europe as a more lyrical, Latin-sounding version of the original Greek.

It became particularly fashionable in England during the 17th century and has seen waves of popularity ever since. In the late 20th century, it gained massive cultural traction in the Americas, moving from a vintage mythological choice to a modern household name.

How Popular is the Name Selena?

Selena is a name that has stood the test of time, transitioning from a rare mythological gem to a recognizable staple in American nomenclature.

According to Social Security Administration data, the name was present but quiet for most of the early 20th century. Its trajectory changed forever in the 1990s. The name skyrocketed, peaking in popularity in 1995 at rank number 95 (1). This dramatic spike was directly influenced by the tragic passing of the Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla Pérez, as fans sought to honor her memory.

In the decades following, the name has cooled slightly but remains a strong contender. It hasn’t fallen into obscurity; instead, it has settled into a comfortable “sweet spot” in the top 200 to 300 range. This makes it a widely known name that feels established without being overused. It is a modern classic rather than a fleeting trend.

How Do I Pronounce Selena?

Selena is beloved for its phonetic simplicity and melodic flow.

It is pronounced Suh-LEE-nuh.

The emphasis falls on the second syllable. The first syllable is a soft schwa sound (like the ‘a’ in about), and the final ‘a’ is open. There are very few variations in pronunciation, making it an easy traveler internationally.

Is Selena a Boy or Girl Name?

Selena is traditionally and strictly used as a feminine name. Its direct translation is “Moon Goddess,” and its Latin origins end in the feminine ‘a’ suffix.

While modern naming trends often embrace gender-neutrality, Selena remains firmly in the female camp due to its strong association with female deities and high-profile female pop stars. There is virtually no statistical data of the name being used for boys in the United States.

Variations of Selena

If you love the celestial meaning but want a slightly different sound or cultural flair, consider these international variations:

• Selene: The original Greek spelling, ending in an ‘ee’ sound.
• Celine: A sophisticated French variation often associated with the sky or heaven.
• Celina: A Latin/Spanish variation that replaces the ‘S’ with a soft ‘C’.
• Zelena: A Slavic variation, though in some languages this means “green.”
• Sena: A shortened, punchier version popular in Scandinavia and Japan.

Nicknames for Selena

One of the best parts of this name is the versatility of cute nicknames available. You can choose something sweet, sporty, or vintage:

• Sel: The most common, effortless shorthand.
• Lena: A classic standalone name that works perfectly as a short form (see more on Lena).
• Lina: A variation of Lena with a slightly different spelling.
• Cece: A creative option pulling from the soft ‘S’ sound.
• Sela: A sleek, modern-sounding nickname.
• Moonie: A playful, literal nickname for a young child.
• Leni: A cute, vintage-style nickname.

Names Similar to Selena

If Selena is on your shortlist but you want to explore names with a similar “vibe”, whether that be celestial, Latinate, or lyrical, consider these alternatives:

• Serena: Rhymes with Selena but implies “peace” and “tranquility” rather than the moon.
• Luna: The direct Latin translation for “moon,” currently very trendy.
• Stella: Latin for “star,” keeping with the night sky theme (see Stella).
• Diana: The Roman goddess of the moon (equivalent to Artemis/Selene).
• Elena: A similar sounding name of Greek origin meaning “shining light.”
• Sabrina: Shares the soft ‘S’ start and three-syllable rhythm.
• Marina: A Latin name meaning “of the sea,” sharing the same structure.
• Celeste: Meaning “heavenly,” capturing the same ethereal spirit (see Celeste).

Middle Names for Selena

Because Selena ends in a vowel, it pairs beautifully with middle names that start with a consonant or have a grounding rhythm.

Classic & Elegant

• Selena Rose
• Selena Grace
• Selena Claire
• Selena Victoria
• Selena Pearl

Modern & Edgy

• Selena Skye
• Selena Quinn
• Selena Wren
• Selena Jade
• Selena Harper

Lyrical & Romantic

• Selena Isabel
• Selena Juliette
• Selena Noelle
• Selena Evangeline
• Selena Joy

Sibling Names for Selena

Building a sibset around Selena requires names that match its romantic, somewhat exotic, and timeless feel.

For a Brother

Boys’ names that pair well with Selena often have Latin or Greek roots and softer consonant sounds.

• Julian
• Adrian
• Leo
• Mateo
• Gabriel
• Elias
• Damian
• Roman

For a Sister

Girls’ names that sit nicely beside Selena tend to be multi-syllabic and end in vowels.

• Vanessa
• Camilla
• Natalia
• Ariana
• Elisa
• Sienna
• Lucia
• Fiona

Famous People Named Selena

This name carries significant star power. Here are the most notable women who have kept the name in the headlines:

• Selena Quintanilla Pérez: Known globally as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” she is a cultural icon who single-handedly popularized the name in the 1990s.
• Selena Gomez: A former Disney channel star turned global pop sensation, actress, and business mogul who was actually named after Quintanilla.
• Selena Forrest: A prominent American fashion model known for her work in high-end editorials.
• Selena Royle: An American actress from the Golden Age of radio and film in the mid-20th century.
• Selena Sloan Butler: A historic figure and founder of the National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers.

Selena in Pop Culture

While the real-life Selenas tend to dominate the conversation, the name has appeared in fiction as well:

• Selina Kyle: While spelled with an ‘i’, the alter ego of Catwoman in the Batman franchise is the most famous fictional holder of the name.
• Selena: A key character in the British post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Days Later.
• Selena St. George: The daughter of the protagonist in the Stephen King novel Dolores Claiborne.
• Selena Sardothien: A variation (Celaena) is the main character in the popular Throne of Glass book series.

FAQs About the Name Selena

Here are answers to the most common questions parents have when considering this name.

What Are Selena’s Symbols?

This question references the Greek goddess Selene, who had a few symbols commonly associated with her. As a modern variant, these can be applied to Selena too. The symbols are a crescent, a chariot, torches, and bulls.

Does the Name Selena Have Personality Traits?

Yes, there are plenty of traits associated with the name Selena. These include being compassionate, empathetic, kind, loving, and considerate. Of course, every person named Selena is an individual, but these positive characteristics are frequently connected to the name.

What Is the Difference Between Selena and Selene?

The primary difference is the language of origin and pronunciation. Selene is the original Greek spelling (pronounced Suh-LEE-nee), while Selena is the Latinized variation (pronounced Suh-LEE-nuh). Selena is much more common in English and Spanish-speaking countries, while Selene is often viewed as more strictly mythological.

Is the Name Selena Mentioned in the Bible?

No, the name Selena does not appear in the Bible. It is of Greek pagan origin (referring to the moon goddess). However, it is linguistically similar to Christian names like Salome or Sarah, though they are unrelated in meaning.

Does the Name Selena Mean “Heavenly”?

Not exactly. While Selena is associated with the sky, its direct translation is “Moon.” The name that directly translates to “heavenly” is Celeste (or Celestine). However, because the moon resides in the heavens, the association is often made loosely.

Is Selena a Spanish Name?

While it has Greek roots, Selena is incredibly popular in Spanish-speaking cultures and is widely considered a Hispanic name in the modern era. The “a” ending fits perfectly with Spanish phonetics, and the fame of Selena Quintanilla solidified it as a staple in Latin American communities.

What Is a Good Sister Name for Selena?

A sister name should ideally match the romance and rhythm of Selena. Names like Elena, Aria, Luna, or Isabella work well because they share the vowel-heavy, soft sound. You generally want to avoid short, sharp names (like Sloane or Ruth) if you want a cohesive “sibset” style. Feedback: Was This Article Helpful? 👍 👎 Thank You For Your Feedback! Share Pin Thank You For Your Feedback! What Did You Like? Informative Easy to Understand Engaging Submit What Went Wrong? Inaccurate Missing Information Outdated Submit