Selena is a name that has been around for centuries and has a rich history and meaning behind it. The name Selena is of Greek and Latin origin, and it means “moon goddess” or simply “the moon.” This name is associated with brightness, light, and sensuality, and has been made popular by the famous Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla.
The origins of the name Selena can be traced back to Greek mythology, where Selene was the goddess of the moon. The name Selena has also been used in Latin culture, where it is associated with the moon and its feminine qualities. In recent years, the name Selena has become more popular in the Latino community, thanks in part to the legacy of Selena Quintanilla and her impact on music and culture.
Overall, the name Selena has a rich history and meaning behind it, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a beautiful and meaningful name for their daughter. In this article, we will explore the origins and meanings of the name Selena, its popularity in different cultures, and some famous people who share this name.
Key Takeaways
- Selena is a name of Greek and Latin origin that means “moon goddess” or “the moon.”
- The name has a rich history and has been made popular by famous Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla.
- Selena continues to be a popular choice for parents looking for a beautiful and meaningful name for their daughter.
Origins of the Name Selena
The name Selena has a Greek and Latin origin. In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon. She was believed to drive a chariot across the sky at night, pulling the moon behind her. The name Selene means “moon” or “moonlight” in Greek.
In Latin, the name Selena is derived from the word “caelum,” meaning “sky” or “heaven.” This Latin origin of the name Selena connects it with the celestial realm and the heavens.
The name Selena has gained popularity over the years, particularly in the Latino community, following the biopic of slain Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla. The movie, starring Jennifer Lopez, brought the name Selena into the mainstream and made it a popular choice for baby girls.
Today, the name Selena is associated with beauty, grace, and femininity. It is a name that exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their baby girl.
Meaning of Selena in Different Cultures
Selena is a name that has origins in various cultures, including Greek, Latin, and Spanish. Each culture has its own meaning for the name, which reflects its unique characteristics.
Greek Origin
In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon. The name Selena is derived from the Greek word Selene, which means “moon goddess.” In ancient Greek culture, the moon was associated with femininity, fertility, and motherhood. The name Selena, therefore, has a feminine and nurturing connotation.
Latin Origin
In Latin, the name Selena is derived from the word “caelum,” meaning “sky” or “heaven.” The name reflects the beauty and wonder of the sky, which has been a source of inspiration for many artists and poets throughout history.
Spanish Origin
In Spanish, the name Selena is a variation of the name Selene and means “moon.” The name has become popular in the Latino community, particularly after the biopic of Selena Quintanilla, a popular Mexican-American singer who was tragically killed in 1995.
In conclusion, the name Selena has a rich history and meaning in different cultures. Whether it’s associated with the moon, the sky, or femininity, the name reflects the beauty and wonder of the world around us.
Popularity of the Name Selena
Selena is a name that has been increasing in popularity over the years. According to Nameberry, Selena was ranked 268 in popularity in 2023, up from 427 in 2021. BabyCenter user data also shows that Selena has risen in popularity, ranking at 161 in 2023, up 68 spots from the previous year.
The name Selena has been popular in various countries around the world. In England, Selena was ranked 460 in 2021, while in Germany it was ranked 20 in 2016. This shows that Selena is a name that has international appeal.
In addition to Selena, other names that are similar in popularity and style include Serena, Jasmine, Sabrina, Sky, Starr, Callisto, Celestia, Venus, Io, Marina, Ariana, Valentina, and Cassiopeia. These names may be a good option for parents who like the sound and feel of Selena but want something slightly different.
Overall, the popularity of Selena is on the rise, making it a name to consider for parents who want a name that is both beautiful and unique.
Famous People Named Selena
Selena is a name that has been given to many famous individuals throughout history. Here are some of the most notable:
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Selena Quintanilla-Pérez: Born in 1971 in Texas, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez was a beloved Mexican-American singer who was known as the “Queen of Tejano music.” She won numerous awards for her music and was a trailblazer for Latinx artists in the music industry. Sadly, she was murdered at the age of 23 by the president of her fan club.
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Selena Gomez: Born in 1992 in Texas, Selena Gomez is a popular actress and singer who rose to fame as a child star on the Disney Channel. She has since branched out into music and has released several successful albums. Gomez is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly her advocacy for mental health awareness.
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Selena Forrest: Born in 1999 in Louisiana, Selena Forrest is a successful fashion model who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Chanel, Prada, and Givenchy. She has been featured in numerous high-profile fashion campaigns and has walked the runway for major fashion shows around the world.
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Selena Lee Sze-wa: Born in 1981 in Hong Kong, Selena Lee Sze-wa is a popular actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows in Hong Kong and mainland China. She has won several awards for her acting, including Best Actress at the TVB Anniversary Awards.
Overall, the name Selena has been associated with many talented and successful individuals in various fields.
Variations of the Name Selena
The name Selena has a few variations that are worth mentioning. Here are some of them:
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Selene: This is the Greek version of the name Selena. It means “moon goddess” or “moon” and is the name of the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology.
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Selina: This is an alternative spelling of the name Selena. It has the same meaning and origin as Selena.
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Celina: This is a Polish variation of the name Selena. It means “heavenly” or “celestial” and is derived from the Latin word “caelum.”
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Salena: This is a modern variation of the name Selena. It has the same meaning and origin as Selena but is spelled differently.
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Selenia: This is a less common variation of the name Selena. It is a combination of the name Selena and the suffix “-ia,” which is often used to create feminine names.
Overall, the name Selena has a few variations that are similar in meaning and origin. Whether you choose to spell it Selena, Selene, Selina, Celina, Salena, or Selenia, the name has a beautiful and celestial quality that is sure to make any girl feel special.