"exaltation (Selah)"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Sela
Pronunciation: [ s-EHL-uh ]
Does Sela flow with your last name?
A Hebrew rock name with timeless strength
Hebrew
American
Scandinavian
Unique
Strong
Earthy
Elegant
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Sela
Sela comes from the Hebrew word meaning rock or cliff, appearing multiple times in the Old Testament as both a place name and a symbolic reference to strength and permanence. The name shares its roots with concepts of solidity, endurance, and natural beauty. It is also used in Scandinavian countries as a short, lyrical given name.
Sela has gained modern appeal as parents seek short, melodic names with ancient roots. Actress Sela Ward helped bring attention to the name in the 1990s, and the minimalist naming trend has kept it appealing.
In the Hebrew Bible, Sela was an important city associated with strength and refuge. The name carries spiritual connotations of being a rock of support in Jewish and Christian traditions.
Historical Record
Sela first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,299 babies have been named Sela in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Sela is past its peak , currently ranked #4,127 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Sela appears in the Old Testament as both a geographic location and a symbol of God's enduring strength
- American actress Sela Ward won two Emmy Awards and was named one of TV's most beautiful people
Sela in Other Languages
Arabic
سيلا
French
Sela
Hebrew
סֶלַע
Korean
셀라
Spanish
Sela
Popularity Over Time
#4,127
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 2000
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Sela
S
Sela Ward
Actor
1956
American actress known for Sisters, Once and Again, and CSI: NY, two-time Emmy Award winner
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Compare Sela with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,127
- Total SSA Count
- 35
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Sel
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Sela
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Sapphira
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Hebrew sappir origin
"sapphire gemstone, beautiful"
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American origin
"created modern name with bright sound"
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"grace, favor"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sela
What does the name Sela mean?
"exaltation (Selah)" (from Hebrew). Sela comes from the Hebrew word meaning rock or cliff, appearing multiple times in the Old Testament as both a place name and a symbolic reference to strength and permanence. The name shares its roots with concepts of solidity, endurance, and natural beauty. It is also used in Scandinavian countries as a short, lyrical given name.
What is the origin of the name Sela?
Sela has Hebrew, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Hebrew, it means "exaltation (Selah)".
Is Sela a boy or girl name?
Sela is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Sela?
Sela is pronounced s-EHL-uh.
How popular is the name Sela?
Sela is currently ranked #4127 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Sela?
Common nicknames for Sela include Sel.
What are good middle names for Sela?
Popular middle name pairings include Sela Rose, Sela Jane, Sela Grace, Sela Mae, Sela Ann, Sela Elizabeth, and Sela Claire.
What are good sibling names for Sela?
Names that pair well with Sela as siblings include Lena, Mira, Jude, Eli, Nora, Cora, and Leo.
How many syllables does Sela have?
Sela has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Sela a common or rare name?
Sela is an uncommon name, ranked #4127 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Sela?
About the Name Sela
Sela is a girl name with Hebrew, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "exaltation (Selah)" in Hebrew .
Sela is currently ranked #4,127 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Sela has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-EHL-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Sela include Sel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Sela include Selena, Selah, Selene, Selina, Selma . 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