Selwyn
Selwyn: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Selwyn
Root meaning: “hall”
- A surname transferred from the given name.
- A male given name from Old English transferred back from the surname, in quiet use since the 19th century.
Etymology
From the Middle English form of Latin Silvanus. Also from the Old English given name Selewine, from sel (“hall”) + wine (“friend”). The places are named after bearers of the surname.
How popular is Selwyn?
Since 1880, 10 girls and 1,408 boys in the U.S. have been named Selwyn (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #5774 in 1924. Its highest rank for boys was #1184 in 1904. In 2025, 6 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Selwyn
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Old English transferred back from the su boy names
Sibling name ideas for Selwyn
Sister and brother names that share Selwyn's Old English transferred back from the su roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Selwyn FAQ
What does the name Selwyn mean?
Selwyn traces back to a root meaning "hall". A surname transferred from the given name. A male given name from Old English transferred back from the surname, in quiet use since the 19th century. From the Middle English form of Latin Silvanus. Also from the Old English given name Selewine, from sel (“hall”) + wine (“friend”). The places are named after bearers of the surname.
What is the origin of the name Selwyn?
Selwyn is listed as a name of Old English transferred back from the su origin.
How popular is the name Selwyn?
Since 1880, 10 girls and 1,408 boys in the U.S. have been named Selwyn (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #5774 in 1924. Its highest rank for boys was #1184 in 1904. In 2025, 6 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Selwyn a boy or girl name?
Selwyn is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 10 girls and 1,408 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.