Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Selah
GirlHebrew· “uncertain; a word from the Psalms”
- Meaning
- uncertain; a word from the Psalms (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- SEE-luh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #216
- US babies 2025
- 1,416
- Best rank
- #216 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Selah
Selah is often said to mean “uncertain; a word from the Psalms”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
Selah is a Hebrew word that appears many times in the Book of Psalms and once in Habakkuk. Its exact meaning is unknown. Many scholars think it was a musical or liturgical instruction, perhaps marking a pause or a raising of voices, but no explanation is certain. As a given name, Selah has become popular with families who like its biblical roots and its peaceful, reflective feel. Pronunciations vary between SEE-luh and SAY-luh. The name is short, soft and distinctive, and it pairs well with longer middle names.
Popularity over time
Selah first appears in US Social Security records in 1962. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 21 different years, starting in 2005. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #216, and its highest count, 1,416 babies. Use has grown 105% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #6,234 in 1980, #1,549 in 2000, #645 in 2010, and #216 in 2025. Of the 15,187 US girls named Selah since records began, 41% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 6,012 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Saylor, Dahlia, Elianna, Aitana, and Celine.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Selah ranked highest in Montana, Indiana, and South Dakota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | #103 | 10 |
| Indiana | #133 | 50 |
| South Dakota | #138 | 9 |
| District of Columbia | #143 | 6 |
| North Carolina | #158 | 65 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Selah over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Selah is usually pronounced SEE-luh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Selah
A few middle names that flow with Selah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Selah
Similar names
Lilah Girl
LY-luh
“uncertain; linked to Lila and night” · Hebrew
#179
Anaiah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“Yahweh has answered” · Hebrew
#853
Hannah Girl
HA-nuh
“grace, favor” · Hebrew
#56
Leah Girl
LEE-uh
“weary” · Hebrew
#58
Micaiah Unisex
my-KAY-uh
“who is like Yahweh?” · Hebrew
#1,386
Adah Girl
AY-duh
“adornment” · Hebrew
#1,818
Eliah Unisex
eh-LY-uh
“variant of Elijah: my God is Yahweh” · Hebrew
#3,202
Sarah Girl
SAIR-uh
“princess” · Hebrew
#90
Aliyah Girl
uh-LEE-uh
“exalted; ascent” · Arabic
#263
Norah Girl
NOR-uh
“honor (from Honora)” · Irish
#262
Aniyah Girl
uh-NY-uh
“modern coinage, possibly from Anya” · American (modern coinage)
#485
Amiyah Girl
uh-MY-uh
“modern variant of Amaya or Amia” · American (modern coinage)
#620
Lists that include Selah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Selah mean?
Selah is often said to mean “uncertain; a word from the Psalms”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Selah?
Selah has Hebrew roots. Selah is a Hebrew word that appears many times in the Book of Psalms and once in Habakkuk.
Is Selah a popular name?
Yes. Selah ranked #216 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Selah a boy or girl name?
Selah is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Selah over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Selah?
Selah is usually pronounced SEE-luh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings