Rising since 1989, #216 for girls today.
Popularity of Selah since 1962
Babies named Selah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 55 |
| 1980s | 104 |
| 1990s | 347 |
| 2000s | 2,482 |
| 2010s | 6,176 |
| 2020s | 6,012 |
Meaning & origin
Selah is a biblical name that has seen a remarkable rise in popularity in recent decades. First recorded in the United States in 1962, it was a rare choice until the late 1980s, when it began a trajectory of steady growth. By 2025, Selah reached its peak rank of 216, with a 1-in-1,135 frequency among girls. The top states for Selah are Montana, Washington D.C., and South Dakota, indicating a broad geographic appeal. Its soft sound and spiritual resonance have made it a favorite among parents seeking a name with depth and grace.
Selah appears as a transliteration of the Hebrew word סֶלָה (selah) in the biblical Book of Psalms. Its exact meaning is debated, but it is thought to indicate a pause, a musical interlude, or an instruction to lift the voice. The name entered English use primarily through Puritan and Christian communities who adopted biblical terms as given names.
Where Selah 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.
“Selah” around the world
Where Selah lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Sibling names for Selah
Names that share Selah's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Eliana, Dahlia, Lucia, Lydia, Naomi, Azaria, Daphne, Eden, Elora, Hosanna, Sevyn, Amariah, Azari, Makeda, Miriah, Sinai, Sumer, Adama, Aleaha, Anah, Aryel, Azaryah, Calina, Dajia, Eleyna, Elianah, Eliani, Genisis, Judea, Kalise, Lexani, Maranatha, Maylen, Meelah, Meliah, Meriah, Seraiah, Shalia, Syrena, Talula, Tarina, Zaila, Zorah, Ailed, Aleni, Analayah, Annaliah, Azarya, Elaia, Elaya, Eyana, Gelila, Hallelujah, Isel, Jirah, Kalah, Kelaiah, Leiyah, Lenay, Moriyah, Noriah, Retal, Saleah, Sonnet, Torah, Ysela, Zarayah, Ziyonna, Javaeh, Kelahni, Keliah, Laelle, Ameah, Anahla, Anahli, Assyria, Atalia, Azhane, Cariah, Cynia, Eloa, Ephrata, Ferrah, Isaly, Kimyah, Lamara, Maleiah, Mathea, Muriah, Natiya, Nyelah, Rhesa, Rinnah, Roiza, Saharah, Saveah, Shalah, Talah, Zariel, Zionah
Brothers: Elijah, Ezra, Micah, Levi, Noah, Abdiel, Azael, Canaan, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Jireh, Josiah, Joziah, Jesiah, Makari, Malakhi, Malaki, Adon, Amarian, Asiel, Exodus, Ilijah, Jahsiah, Yafet, Yareth, Zamar, Armias, Atzel, Damere, Elishah, Eyoel, Jafeth, Jakin, Jasaiah, Leven, Malekai, Tekoa, Urie, Yashua, Nisaiah, Amais, Demere, Dymir, Eliahs, Elijan, Eylan, Ezikiel, Jovahn, Karas, Malacai, Nycere, Savyon, Semaje, Tejon, Ukiah, Zadiel, Zimir
Names like Selah
Names whose popularity has moved with Selah's over the last 50 years.
