Rising since 2021, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Selenia since 1959
Babies named Selenia per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 21 |
| 1970s | 77 |
| 1980s | 81 |
| 1990s | 133 |
| 2000s | 85 |
| 2010s | 76 |
| 2020s | 29 |
Meaning & origin
Selenia is a lyrical modern name that draws from classical mythology. First recorded in the United States in 1959, it saw its highest usage in 1998, a peak year that placed it among a wave of celestial and mythological names for girls. After a period of decline, the name has been steadily rising again since 2021, suggesting a renewed interest in its ethereal sound. Despite this recent uptick, Selenia remains exceptionally uncommon, with only about 1 in 267,878 babies receiving the name in 2025. Its rarity and melodic quality make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking something familiar yet off the beaten path.
Selenia appears to be a modern coinage derived from Selene, the Greek goddess of the moon, combined with the fashionable suffix -ia. The name Selene itself comes from the Greek word selas, meaning 'light' or 'brightness.' Selenia has been in use in the United States since at least 1959, with a notable peak in popularity in 1998. It remains a rare name, given to about 1 in 267,878 babies in 2025.
“Selenia” around the world
Where Selenia lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lena, Nia, Sel
Sibling names for Selenia
Names that share Selenia's style, for a brother or sister.
