Selena Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Selena is a name of Greek origin, meaning 'moon', derived from 'selene'. It has evolved through various historical forms and is associated with traits of beauty and femininity. There is no biblical relevance. The name gained popularity in the 20th century, influenced by cultural icons and remains well-liked today.
The name Selena is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Selena has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Selena' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11776th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14114th out of 24088 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1091st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1259th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 910th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 482nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 356th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 236th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 265th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Selena' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Selena"
Pronunciation
/səˈliːnə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Selena is derived from the Greek word 'selene', which means 'moon'. In Greek mythology, Selene is the goddess of the moon.
Meaning
moon
Language Evolution
Selene (Ancient Greek), Selena (Latinized form), Selena (Modern usage)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States and Latin America, influenced by cultural references in music and film.
Variants & Derivatives
Selene, Celine, Celina
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Selena is perceived as a name associated with beauty and femininity, often linked to celebrity culture due to famous personalities bearing the name.
Famous People
Selena Gomez, Selena Quintanilla, Selena Kyle (fictional character)
Explore More Selena Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Selena"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Selena"
"Selena" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11776th of 16616 | 20 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 14114th of 24088 | 37 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1091st of 9107 | 815 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1259th of 9204 | 659 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 910th of 12526 | 2,302 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 482nd of 19264 | 6,699 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 356th of 27321 | 11,559 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 236th of 35406 | 21,832 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 265th of 30306 | 14,565 |
Regional Popularity of "Selena" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
58.33% 3685th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
65.06% 4758th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Selena" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- |
100.00% 1379th/1379 |
42.35% 1002nd/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 1546th/1546 |
75.06% 1168th/1556 |
44.11% 1038th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
42.34% 943rd/2227 |
35.10% 853rd/2430 |
26.08% 744th/2853 |
45.91% 1274th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
18.96% 557th/2937 |
15.79% 550th/3483 |
10.63% 374th/3518 |
13.70% 554th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
12.73% 469th/3685 |
10.48% 469th/4475 |
6.28% 326th/5194 |
4.83% 305th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
5.24% 240th/4582 |
4.78% 247th/5164 |
3.31% 242nd/7313 |
3.06% 228th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.78% 310th/3984 |
6.13% 275th/4487 |
4.41% 301st/6822 |
2.87% 180th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Selena"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Selena" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.