"pause, reflection, musical interlude"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Selah
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A biblical pause — rare, spiritual, unforgettable
Hebrew
American
Christian
Spiritual
Unique
Gentle
Minimalist
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"to hang, weigh, measure"
Origin: Hebrew root
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Selah
Selah is a Hebrew term appearing 74 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk. Its exact meaning is debated by scholars who suggest it marks a musical pause, a moment of reflection, or an instruction to lift the voice. The word derives from the Hebrew root meaning to hang, weigh, or measure, giving it connotations of thoughtful stillness and sacred meditation.
Selah gained traction as a boys name in the 2010s among families seeking spiritual yet distinctive names. Its appearance in Psalms made it appealing to faith-based communities looking for biblical names beyond the usual Noah or Elijah.
In Jewish and Christian traditions, Selah marks sacred pauses in scripture, making it deeply meaningful for religious families. The name suggests someone who reflects deeply and values stillness — a counter-cultural choice in a fast-paced world.
Historical Record
Selah first appeared in US Social Security records in 1998.
Over 194 babies have been named Selah in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Selah is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #4,812 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Selah appears 74 times in the Book of Psalms
- Its meaning has been debated by scholars for centuries — most believe it signals a musical interlude
- Lauryn Hill named her daughter Selah
Selah in Other Languages
Greek
Σελά
Arabic
سيلاه
French
Selah
Hebrew
סֶלָה
Spanish
Selah
Popularity Over Time
#4,812
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,812
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew American Christian
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Sel
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Selah
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Selah is also used as a girl name, ranked #280.
View Selah as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Selah
What does the name Selah mean?
"pause, reflection, musical interlude" (from Hebrew). "to hang, weigh, measure" (from Hebrew root). Selah is a Hebrew term appearing 74 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk. Its exact meaning is debated by scholars who suggest it marks a musical pause, a moment of reflection, or an instruction to lift the voice. The word derives from the Hebrew root meaning to hang, weigh, or measure, giving it connotations of thoughtful stillness and sacred meditation.
What is the origin of the name Selah?
Selah has Hebrew, Hebrew root, American, and Christian origins. In Hebrew, it means "pause, reflection, musical interlude". In Hebrew root, it means "to hang, weigh, measure".
Is Selah a boy or girl name?
Selah is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4812. As a girl name, it is ranked #280. Selah is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Selah?
Selah is currently ranked #4812 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Selah?
Common nicknames for Selah include Sel.
What are good middle names for Selah?
Popular middle name pairings include Selah James, Selah Daniel, Selah Michael, Selah Joseph, Selah Thomas, Selah Elijah, and Selah Benjamin.
What are good sibling names for Selah?
Names that pair well with Selah as siblings include Micah, Zion, Eden, Levi, Ezra, Lyra, and Naomi.
How many syllables does Selah have?
Selah has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Selah a common or rare name?
Selah is an uncommon name, ranked #4812 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Selah
Selah is a boy name with Hebrew, American, and Christian origins . The name means "pause, reflection, musical interlude" in Hebrew .
Is Selah a boy or girl name? Selah is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,812 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #280. Selah is more commonly used as a girl name.
Selah is currently ranked #4,812 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Selah has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Selah include Sel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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