Selina
First recorded in England in the 17th century, possibly from Latin Caelīna (“heavenly”), or a variant of Selene, the Ancient Greek goddess of the moon.
Every Selina since 1880 — 19,225 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Selina
Selina is uncommon for girls in the United States, ranked #1,278 in 2025 with 176 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 19,225 American babies have been named Selina. Its peak came in 1995, when 704 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1990s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Selina stood among all girls' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Selina year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Girls | Girls rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 176 | #1,278 |
| 2024 | 176 | #1,313 |
| 2023 | 168 | #1,347 |
| 2022 | 163 | #1,403 |
| 2021 | 176 | #1,292 |
| 2020 | 158 | #1,385 |
| 2019 | 205 | #1,166 |
| 2018 | 229 | #1,095 |
| 2017 | 214 | #1,157 |
| 2016 | 218 | #1,156 |
| 2015 | 222 | #1,142 |
| 2014 | 249 | #1,048 |
| 2013 | 213 | #1,133 |
| 2012 | 242 | #1,043 |
| 2011 | 224 | #1,103 |
| 2010 | 219 | #1,125 |
| 2009 | 253 | #1,030 |
| 2008 | 277 | #969 |
| 2007 | 291 | #930 |
| 2006 | 295 | #901 |
| 2005 | 295 | #859 |
| 2004 | 240 | #989 |
| 2003 | 238 | #975 |
| 2002 | 262 | #874 |
| 2001 | 262 | #878 |
| 2000 | 279 | #814 |
| 1995 | 704 | #372 |
| 1990 | 270 | #764 |
| 1985 | 264 | #682 |
| 1980 | 233 | #720 |
| 1975 | 154 | #870 |
| 1970 | 150 | #888 |
| 1965 | 244 | #626 |
| 1960 | 167 | #799 |
| 1955 | 53 | #1,379 |
| 1950 | 27 | #1,864 |
| 1945 | 27 | #1,616 |
| 1940 | 12 | #2,557 |
| 1935 | 18 | #1,903 |
| 1930 | 24 | #1,654 |
| 1925 | 28 | #1,600 |
| 1920 | 32 | #1,434 |
| 1915 | 27 | #1,396 |
| 1910 | 19 | #1,025 |
| 1905 | 19 | #866 |
| 1900 | 27 | #702 |
| 1895 | 26 | #604 |
| 1890 | 24 | #546 |
| 1885 | 11 | #693 |
| 1880 | 10 | #574 |
Famous people named Selina
- Selina Gasparin Athlete · b. 1984
- Selina Jen Actor · b. 1981
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Selina mean?
First recorded in England in the 17th century, possibly from Latin Caelīna (“heavenly”), or a variant of Selene, the Ancient Greek goddess of the moon.
How popular is the name Selina in 2025?
Selina ranked #1,278 among girls' names in the United States in 2025, with 176 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Selina?
19,225 babies have been named Selina in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Selina most popular?
Selina peaked in 1995, when 704 newborns received the name.
Is Selina a boy or girl name?
Selina is overwhelmingly a girl's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Selina rising or falling?
Selina is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Selina?
Well-known people named Selina include Selina Gasparin (athlete), Selina Jen (actor).