Selene

Selene: name meaning, origin and popularity

Girl nameGreek origin#623 in 2025

Pronunciation (IPA): /sɪˈliːni/ · /səˈlini/

Meaning and origin of Selene

  • A female given name from Ancient Greek.

Etymology

From the Ancient Greek Σελήνη (Selḗnē, proper noun), from σέλας (sélas, “light”).

How popular is Selene?

#623girls, 2025
469U.S. babies in 2025
#623peak rank (2025)
9,718babies since 1880

Since 1880, 9,713 girls and 5 boys in the U.S. have been named Selene (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #623 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #9383 in 1991. In 2025 it ranked #623 for girls, with 469 babies given the name.

18801920196020002025469 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Selene

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

More Greek girl names

See all Greek names →

Sibling name ideas for Selene

Sister and brother names that share Selene's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Selene FAQ

What does the name Selene mean?

A female given name from Ancient Greek. From the Ancient Greek Σελήνη (Selḗnē, proper noun), from σέλας (sélas, “light”).

What is the origin of the name Selene?

Selene is listed as a name of Greek origin.

How popular is the name Selene?

Since 1880, 9,713 girls and 5 boys in the U.S. have been named Selene (100% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #623 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #9383 in 1991. In 2025 it ranked #623 for girls, with 469 babies given the name.

Is Selene a boy or girl name?

Selene is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 9,713 girls and 5 boys since 1880.

Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.