Declining since 1996, #10,107 for girls today.
Popularity of Salena since 1889
Babies named Salena per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1995, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Salena's real moment was 1977.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 23 |
| 1900s | 22 |
| 1910s | 62 |
| 1920s | 49 |
| 1930s | 22 |
| 1940s | 41 |
| 1950s | 123 |
| 1960s | 343 |
| 1970s | 930 |
| 1980s | 943 |
| 1990s | 1,413 |
| 2000s | 746 |
| 2010s | 349 |
| 2020s | 92 |
Meaning & origin
Salena has never been a widely popular name in the United States. Its peak year was 1977, when it saw its highest usage, but it has been on a declining trajectory since 1996. As of 2025, the name ranks 10,107, with roughly 1 in 178,585 newborns receiving the name. The name first recorded in 1889, Salena remains a rare and distinctive choice. Its origins are debated: it may be a modern respelling of Selena, inspired by the Greek moon goddess, or a variant of Serena, evoking calmness. Parents drawn to Salena often appreciate its melodic sound and its connection to more familiar names like Selena and Serena, while favoring a less common spelling.
Salena is most likely a modern English variant of Selena, which derives from the Greek Selene, the goddess of the moon. It may also be influenced by Serena, from the Latin serenus meaning 'clear, calm'. The name first appeared in U.S. records in the late 19th century, with modest use throughout the 20th century.
Where Salena is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Sally, Sali
Sibling names for Salena
Names that share Salena's style, for a brother or sister.
