Holding steady, #11,932 for girls today.
Popularity of Zelene since 1957
Babies named Zelene per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 16 |
| 1990s | 35 |
| 2000s | 12 |
| 2010s | 29 |
| 2020s | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Zelene is a rare, modern feminine given name that likely originated as a creative respelling of the Greek mythological name Selene, meaning 'moon' or 'light.' Since its first recorded use in the United States in 1957, the name has never entered widespread popularity. Its highest rank was in 1992, when it was still relatively uncommon. In 2025, the name ranks 11,932, with about 1 in 229,610 baby girls receiving the name. The trajectory of Zelene has been stable over the decades, never experiencing a sharp surge or decline. While top states for the name are not recorded due to its rarity, it remains an unusual choice for parents seeking a celestial-inspired name with a distinctive spelling.
Zelene is likely a modern, invented variant of Selene, who was the Greek goddess of the moon. The name Selene itself comes from the Greek 'selas' meaning light or brightness. While Zelene may also be a creative spelling of Selene, it has been in occasional use in the United States since the mid-20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zelly, Lena
Variants: Selene
Sibling names for Zelene
Names that share Zelene's style, for a brother or sister.
