Declining since 1996, #268 for girls today.
Popularity of Selena since 1880
Babies named Selena per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 102 |
| 1890s | 143 |
| 1900s | 179 |
| 1910s | 318 |
| 1920s | 424 |
| 1930s | 327 |
| 1940s | 455 |
| 1950s | 964 |
| 1960s | 2,535 |
| 1970s | 4,843 |
| 1980s | 3,362 |
| 1990s | 15,043 |
| 2000s | 12,417 |
| 2010s | 11,028 |
| 2020s | 7,747 |
Meaning & origin
Selena has been recorded in the United States since 1880, but its modern popularity was propelled by the tragic death of singer Selena Quintanilla in 1995, which coincided with the name's peak ranking of 268 that year. Since then, the name has been on a falling trajectory, yet it remains a familiar choice. In recent years (2025 data), Selena is given to about 1 in 1,374 baby girls, placing it at rank 268 nationally. The name is most popular in New Mexico, Hawaii, and Rhode Island. While its Greek roots connect it to the moon, Selena's enduring appeal in the U.S. is largely tied to the cultural impact of the Tejano star.
Selena is most commonly considered a variant of Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon. The name has been in occasional use in English-speaking countries since the 19th century. Its popularity surged in the late 20th century, particularly after the fame of Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla.
Where Selena 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.
“Selena” around the world
Where Selena lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
205
babies in 2024
Ireland
13
babies in 2025
Quebec
25
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Sel
Sibling names for Selena
Names that share Selena's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alena, Serena, Celeste, Mira, Elena, Serina, Sirena, Tierra, Delena, Janita, Marena, Markita, Rosio, Sarena, Symone, Zulema, Carmin, Cerena, Cyntia, Dalina, Eldana, Elvena, Itzia, Jalena, Luzelena, Malana, Maleena, Meliza, Talena, Valena, Valora, Almena, Cortina, Florena, Galena, Hermela, Meleena, Merina, Morena, Serenna, Sireen, Solina, Telena, Ladina, Alonia, Aradia, Beonca, Calena, Gazella, Jasenia, Joleena, Julena, Kelita, Lagena, Loreena, Retina, Saryna, Silena, Zelaya
Brothers: Julian, Mateo, Rafael, Damian, Lorenzo, Ezrael, Jerrico, Joriel, Dametri, Larico
Names like Selena
Names whose popularity has moved with Selena's over the last 50 years.
