Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Selene
GirlGreek· “moon”
- Meaning
- moon
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- suh-LEEN
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #623
- US babies 2025
- 469
- Best rank
- #623 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Selene
Selene is a Greek name that means “moon”.
Selene is the Greek word for the moon and the name of the moon goddess in Greek mythology, a sister of Helios the sun and Eos the dawn. The word is related to selas, light or brightness. In myth she drove a chariot across the night sky and loved the shepherd Endymion. The Romans identified her with Luna. As a baby name Selene has a luminous, mystical quality that appeals to parents who like celestial names. Selena and Celine are related names with a similar sound.
Other spellings with the same sound: Celine.
Popularity over time
Selene first appears in US Social Security records in 1919. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 13 different years, starting in 1992. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #623, and its highest count, 469 babies. Use has grown 119% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,029 in 1950, #1,974 in 1980, #1,540 in 2000, #1,315 in 2010, and #623 in 2025. Of the 9,713 US girls named Selene since records began, 25% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 2,348 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Aya, Winona, Rivka, Andi, and Azaria.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Selene ranked highest in California, New Mexico, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| California | #324 | 101 |
| New Mexico | #380 | 5 |
| Florida | #396 | 48 |
| New York | #450 | 39 |
| Massachusetts | #473 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Selene is usually pronounced suh-LEEN, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with S and ends in “-ne”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Celine.
Middle names for Selene
A few middle names that flow with Selene: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Selene
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Lists that include Selene
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Selene mean?
Selene is a Greek name that means “moon”.
What is the origin of the name Selene?
Selene has Greek roots. Selene is the Greek word for the moon and the name of the moon goddess in Greek mythology, a sister of Helios the sun and Eos the dawn.
Is Selene a popular name?
Yes. Selene ranked #623 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Selene a boy or girl name?
Selene is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Selene?
Selene is usually pronounced suh-LEEN. 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