Selene
suh-LEEN
Selene comes directly from the Greek Selēnē, derived from selas meaning “light” or “bright.” In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon, driving her silver chariot across the night sky. She was the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia.
Selene was distinct from Artemis and Hecate, who also had lunar associations. Selene represented the moon itself—its physical form and light—while the others held different aspects of its power.
Selene is at its all-time US peak: No. 675 in 2024 with 424 births. The name is part of a broader resurgence of Greek mythology names for girls.
What the name Selene means
In astronomy, Selene gave her name to the study of the moon (selenology) and to the element selenium, discovered in 1817 and named for its connection to lunar mythology.
Three syllables—seh-LEE-nee—land with classical elegance. The rising stress pattern and open final syllable give it a lyrical quality that has made it appealing to parents seeking mythological names.
Parents who choose Selene often prefer the Greek original over the more common Selena, wanting the mythological directness without the contemporary pop-culture associations.
Related names include Selena (Spanish form), Sélène (French), and Luna, which shares the moon meaning through Latin rather than Greek.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Selene
Selene - similar names
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