Selene

Pronunciation: [ s-uhl-EEN ]

Girl Name #674 Most Popular Rising 3 Syllables

A luminous moon goddess name with ancient Greek mystique

Greek Italian Spanish French

Elegant Spiritual Whimsical Vintage Literary

Meaning & Origin

"moon, light"

Origin: Greek

Language: English

"brightness, radiance"

Origin: Proto-Greek

Language: Greek

The Story of Selene

Selene comes directly from the ancient Greek Σελήνη (Selene), derived from the word for 'light' or 'brightness.' In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon — a beautiful Titaness who drove her silver chariot across the night sky. She fell deeply in love with the shepherd Endymion, visiting him nightly as he slept in eternal slumber.

Selene has seen renewed interest in the 2010s-2020s, partly driven by the fantasy film Underworld series (2003+), where the heroine is named Selene. The broader trend of mythological names has also lifted it significantly.

In Greek mythology, Selene personified the moon itself — distinct from Artemis who was the goddess of hunting. In modern Greek culture, the name remains connected to the spiritual and celestial. Italy and Spain use feminine forms (Selena) more commonly.

Fun Facts

Selene was one of only a few Greek deities associated with a celestial body itself, not just its domain
A genus of fish (moonfish) is named Selene in her honor
The chemical element Selenium is named after Selene

Selene in Other Languages

Greek Σελήνη

Arabic سيلين

French Séléné

Italian Selene

Spanish Selena

Famous People Named Selene

Selene Vigil-Wilk

Musician

1968

American rock singer, known as the voice of 7 Year Bitch

Selene Fictional

Other

Goddess of the moon in Greek mythology, Titaness who drove her chariot across the night sky

Selene (Underworld) Fictional

Actor

Vampire warrior protagonist of the Underworld film series, played by Kate Beckinsale

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #674
Total SSA Count: 424
Cultural Origins: Greek Italian Spanish French
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Alternative Spellings

Selena #245

Common Nicknames

Selly Lena Sel

Pairs Well With

Selene Rose Selene Marie Selene Grace Selene Aurora Selene Jade Selene Faye Selene Celeste

Sibling Names

Athena Chloe Iris Luna Apollo Orion Daphne

Also a Boy Name

Selene is also used as a boy name, ranked #34896.

View Selene as a boy name →

Similar Names

Rena Helena Regina Serena Celina Selina Millicent Mercedes

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Frequently Asked Questions About Selene

What does the name Selene mean?

"moon, light" (from Greek). "brightness, radiance" (from Proto-Greek). Selene comes directly from the ancient Greek Σελήνη (Selene), derived from the word for 'light' or 'brightness.' In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon — a beautiful Titaness who drove her silver chariot across the night sky. She fell deeply in love with the shepherd Endymion, visiting him nightly as he slept in eternal slumber.

What is the origin of the name Selene?

Selene has Greek, Proto-Greek, Italian, Spanish, and French origins. In Greek, it means "moon, light". In Proto-Greek, it means "brightness, radiance".

Is Selene a boy or girl name?

Selene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #674. As a boy name, it is ranked #34896. Selene is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Selene?

Selene is pronounced s-uhl-EEN.

How popular is the name Selene?

Selene is currently ranked #674 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Selene?

Common nicknames for Selene include Selly, Lena, and Sel.

What are good middle names for Selene?

Popular middle name pairings include Selene Rose, Selene Marie, Selene Grace, Selene Aurora, Selene Jade, Selene Faye, and Selene Celeste.

What are good sibling names for Selene?

Names that pair well with Selene as siblings include Athena, Chloe, Iris, Luna, Apollo, Orion, and Daphne.

How many syllables does Selene have?

Selene has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Selene a common or rare name?

Selene is moderately common, ranked #674 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Selene

Selene is a girl name with Greek, Italian, Spanish, and French origins . The name means "moon, light" in Greek .

Is Selene a boy or girl name? Selene is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #674 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #34,896. Selene is more commonly used as a girl name.

Selene is currently ranked #674 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Selene has 3 syllables and is pronounced s-uhl-EEN, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Selene include Selly, Lena, and Sel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Selene include Selena . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.