Selene

Meaning & origin

Selene is a Greek mythological name meaning 'moon,' borne by the Titan goddess who drove her silver chariot across the night sky. While the name has historical roots, its usage in the United States was rare before the 20th century. According to U.S. Social Security data, Selene first appeared on the national charts in 1919, but it remained obscure for decades. The name began a sustained climb starting around 1985, gaining steady favor as celestial names like Luna and Aurora rose in popularity. In 2025, Selene achieved its peak rank of 621, with approximately 1 in every 3,427 girls receiving the name. Its trajectory is clearly rising, with particular popularity in states such as New Mexico, California, and Florida. Selene appeals to parents drawn to mythological, luminous names that feel both ancient and modern.

Selene derives from the Greek word selas (light), and in Greek mythology Selene was the Titan goddess of the moon, personifying the celestial body itself. The name appears in ancient texts from Hesiod's Theogony onward and has been used sparingly as a given name in the English-speaking world since the 19th century, with a notable increase beginning in the late 20th century.