Silena

Meaning & origin

Silena is a rare and melodic name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1962, during the early 1960s. It reached its peak usage in 1978, though it has never been common enough to rank in the top 1,000. Its trajectory over the decades has been stable, with sporadic use in small numbers. The name is likely a modern respelling or variant of the more familiar Selena, itself rooted in the Greek goddess Selene. Because it never appears in the top states data, its usage is scattered across the country, suggesting it is chosen for its soft, feminine sound rather than strong regional ties. Silena remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that is both lyrical and uncommon.

Silena likely emerged as a modern variant of Selena, from the Greek Selene, meaning 'moon'. It appeared in the United States in the early 1960s, possibly influenced by the popularity of similar-sounding names like Serena and Selena. Its usage has remained stable but rare.