"moon, moon goddess"
Origin: Greek
Language: Ancient Greek
Salena
Salena is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "moon, moon goddess." Ranked #8,086 in the US, popular nicknames include Sally, Sal, and Lena.
Moonlit and melodic, a name of celestial grace
American
English
Greek
Celestial
Feminine
Melodic
Vintage
Romantic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"salt water, brine"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Salena
Salena is a spelling variant of Selena or Salina, with roots in two possible origins. The primary derivation is from the Greek 'Selene' (Σελήνη), the goddess and personification of the Moon — giving the name a luminous, celestial quality. Alternatively, it may derive from the Latin 'salina,' meaning 'salt marsh' or 'brine,' which was also used as a place name. The Greek lunar connection is more commonly cited and gives Salena its poetic resonance.
Salena has maintained quiet popularity as a variant of the more common Selena, appealing to parents who love the sound but want a slightly less familiar spelling.
Selene was one of the three lunar goddesses of ancient Greece (alongside Artemis and Hecate), representing the full moon at its brightest. This cosmic heritage gives Salena a timeless, ethereal quality.
Historical Record
Salena first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 4,930 babies have been named Salena in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Salena is past its peak , currently ranked #8,086 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Selene was said to fall in love with the sleeping shepherd Endymion, visiting him nightly on Mount Latmus — one of the most romantic myths of the ancient world
- The element Selenium was named after Selene/Selena because it was discovered alongside Tellurium (named after Tellus, the Earth)
Salena in Other Languages
Greek
Σελήνη
French
Séléna
Italian
Selena
Spanish
Selena
Portuguese
Selena
Popularity Over Time
#8,086
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1977
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Salena
S
Selena Gomez
Musician
1992
American singer, actress, and producer who rose to fame on Disney Channel before becoming a global pop star
S
Selena Quintanilla-Pérez
Musician
1971
Iconic American Tejano singer known as the Queen of Tejano music, one of the most celebrated Latin artists of all time
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #8,086
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- American English Greek
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Sally
Sal
Lena
Sali
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, American heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Salena
5 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Salena
What does the name Salena mean?
"moon, moon goddess" (from Greek). "salt water, brine" (from Latin). Salena is a spelling variant of Selena or Salina, with roots in two possible origins. The primary derivation is from the Greek 'Selene' (Σελήνη), the goddess and personification of the Moon — giving the name a luminous, celestial quality. Alternatively, it may derive from the Latin 'salina,' meaning 'salt marsh' or 'brine,' which was also used as a place name. The Greek lunar connection is more commonly cited and gives Salena its poetic resonance.
What is the origin of the name Salena?
Salena has Greek, Latin, American, and English origins. In Greek, it means "moon, moon goddess". In Latin, it means "salt water, brine".
Is Salena a boy or girl name?
Salena is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Salena?
Salena is currently ranked #8086 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Salena?
Common nicknames for Salena include Sally, Sal, Lena, and Sali.
What are good middle names for Salena?
Popular middle name pairings include Salena Marie, Salena Rose, Salena Ann, Salena Nicole, and Salena Joy.
What are good sibling names for Salena?
Names that pair well with Salena as siblings include Serena, Selene, Marina, and Luna.
How many syllables does Salena have?
Salena has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Salena a common or rare name?
Salena is an uncommon name, ranked #8086 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Salena?
Are there other spellings for Salena?
Related spellings include Salem.
About the Name Salena
Salena is a girl name with American, English, and Greek origins . The name means "moon, moon goddess" in Greek .
Salena is currently ranked #8,086 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Salena has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Salena include Sally, Sal, Lena, and Sali. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Salena include Salem . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis