Selene
Selene Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
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Meaning of Selene: Selene derives from the ancient Greek "Selene" (Selene), the personification of the moon in Greek mythology. The name connects to "selas," meaning brightness or light, which also gives us "selenium" - the chemical element named for the moon in 1818. Selene was a Titan goddess, sister of Helios (the sun) and Eos (the dawn), who drove a silver chariot across the night sky.
In Greek mythology, Selene famously fell in love with the sleeping shepherd Endymion and asked Zeus to grant him eternal sleep so she could visit him forever. According to Britannica, this myth made Selene a symbol of constancy and longing across ancient Mediterranean culture.
The name entered modern use through the Spanish form Selena, which became widely familiar in the US after singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s. According to SSA records, both Selena and Selene saw measurable increases in births following her death in 1995 and the subsequent cultural tributes.
What Does Selene Mean? Origin & Etymology
SSA figures show 424 births under the Selene spelling in 2024. The name sits slightly behind Selena in total usage but appeals to parents who prefer the classical Greek form. It holds particular appeal in families with Greek heritage or those drawn to mythology-inspired names.
Selene pairs naturally with the broader trend of celestial and lunar girl names - Luna, Stella, Aurora, Cynthia (another name for the moon goddess). Variants include Selena (Spanish), Selina (English), and the French form Selene spelled identically. All trace back to the same ancient Greek root meaning light or brightness.
How Popular Is Selene?
Numerology & Symbolism of Selene
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Selene – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Selene
What does the name Selene mean?
The name Selene originates in ancient Greek. Greek names frequently encoded concepts from mythology, philosophy, or the natural world, and many were preserved through the New Testament and early Christian tradition.
How popular is the name Selene in the United States?
According to SSA records, Selene ranked #675 for girl names in the United States, with 424 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Selene come from?
The name Selene comes from Greek. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Greek-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a girl’s name across the English-speaking world.