Back to Baby Names

Selina

Pronunciation: [ s-uhl-EEN-uh ]

Girl Name #1,308 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

Moonlit grace with ancient Greek roots

English Greek Turkish German Scandinavian
Elegant Classic Vintage Sophisticated Strong

Meaning & Origin

"moon"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
"heaven, sky"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin

Things to Know About This Name

  • Selina Kyle is the real name of Catwoman in DC Comics — a fun pop culture tie for many, occasionally unwanted for others

The Story of Selina

Selina is likely derived from the Greek 'Selene,' the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. Alternatively, it may derive from the Greek 'selene' (moon) or connect to the Latin 'caelum' (heaven/sky), giving it dual celestial meanings. The name has been used in English since at least the 17th century, when classical Greek names were fashionable among the educated classes of Europe.

Selina enjoyed moderate popularity in England and the United States in the 19th and early 20th centuries, associated with the British gentry. It had a revival in the late 20th century, partly through the related name Selena (popularized by singer Selena Quintanilla-Perez) and through DC Comics' Catwoman (Selina Kyle).

Selene was the Greek titaness of the moon, driving her silver chariot across the night sky. The moon's universal association with femininity, mystery, and cycles makes moon-derived names perennially appealing. Selina's British aristocratic associations also give it a refined quality.

Fun Facts

  • Selina Kyle (Catwoman) first appeared in Batman comics in 1940 as 'The Cat'
  • Selene, the Greek moon goddess, was worshipped alongside Artemis and Hecate as the triple moon goddess representing the three phases of the moon
  • Selina has been used as an English given name since at least 1636

Selina in Other Languages

Greek Σελήνη (Selene)
French Célina
German Selina
Spanish Selena
Turkish Selina

Famous People Named Selina

S

Selina Scott

Entertainer

1951

Scottish journalist and TV presenter, one of Britain's most recognizable broadcasters of the 1980s and 1990s

S

Selina Kyle (Catwoman) Fictional

Other

DC Comics character, the Catwoman — a morally complex antihero and love interest of Batman, first appearing in 1940

Quick Facts

Gender
Girl
Syllables
3
Popularity Rank
#1,308
Total SSA Count
175
Cultural Origins
English Greek Turkish German Scandinavian
Pronunciation
Easy
Formality
Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease
High

Alternative Spellings

Common Nicknames

Sel Lena Seli Lina

Pairs Well With

Selina Rose Selina Marie Selina Grace Selina Claire Selina Jane Selina Elise Selina Anne

Sibling Names

Similar Names

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Selina and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Selina sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name
Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

Frequently Asked Questions About Selina

What does the name Selina mean?
"moon" (from Greek). "heaven, sky" (from Latin). Selina is likely derived from the Greek 'Selene,' the goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. Alternatively, it may derive from the Greek 'selene' (moon) or connect to the Latin 'caelum' (heaven/sky), giving it dual celestial meanings. The name has been used in English since at least the 17th century, when classical Greek names were fashionable among the educated classes of Europe.
What is the origin of the name Selina?
Selina has Greek, Latin, English, Turkish, German, and Scandinavian origins. In Greek, it means "moon". In Latin, it means "heaven, sky".
Is Selina a boy or girl name?
Selina is primarily used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Selina?
Selina is pronounced s-uhl-EEN-uh.
How popular is the name Selina?
Selina is currently ranked #1308 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Selina?
Common nicknames for Selina include Sel, Lena, Seli, and Lina.
What are good middle names for Selina?
Popular middle name pairings include Selina Rose, Selina Marie, Selina Grace, Selina Claire, Selina Jane, Selina Elise, and Selina Anne.
What are good sibling names for Selina?
Names that pair well with Selina as siblings include Celia, Serena, Marina, Julian, Adrian, Vivienne, and Helena.
How many syllables does Selina have?
Selina has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Selina a common or rare name?
Selina is an uncommon name, ranked #1308 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Selina

Selina is a girl name with English, Greek, Turkish, German, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "moon" in Greek .

Selina is currently ranked #1,308 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

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

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

Alternative spellings of Selina include Seline, Selin . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.

Explore Name Lists