Selen

Origin

From Greek Σελήνη (Selēnē), meaning 'Moon'. The name is rooted in ancient Greek mythology, where Selene was the goddess of the moon. While primarily of Greek origin, the name has been adopted in various cultures, including in Australia, especially among those with Greek heritage or in literary contexts.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'moon'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes qualities associated with the moon such as serenity, mystery, and femininity.

Pronunciation

/sɛlˈɛn/ (SEL-en) — stress on the second syllable, with a soft 's' as in 'set' and a short 'e' as in 'bed'. Australian pronunciation tends to mirror standard English pronunciation.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 13 August (Feast of Saint Selene in some Christian calendars)
• Moon Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month, celebrated culturally in some Australian communities with Asian or Pacific Islander backgrounds) in Australian multicultural contexts.
• Māori / Pacific cultural events with lunar significance, such as the lunar calendar-related observances.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with selen:

• Luna and Orion (astronomical theme)
• Amara and Cyrus (meaning 'grace' and 'like the sun' respectively)
• Ella and Noah (popular in Australia)

Fun Facts

• The name Selen is also occasionally used for Australian-born racehorses, reflecting a poetic or celestial inspiration.
• Selen can be found in Australian literature and poetry, symbolising calmness and the night sky.
• While not common, the name has appeared in Australian films and novels exploring themes of femininity and mystique.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name selen:

• Calmness
• Mystery
• Femininity
• Dreaminess

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and lyrical, with a soft visual appeal. The name's association with the moon lends it a poetic and gentle typographic character in Australian print and digital media.

Geographical Distribution

More prevalent in urban centres with diverse populations, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane; less common in rural areas but recognised nationwide.

Numerological Significance

Number 3, associated with creativity, expression, and optimism. Often regarded as a name that encourages artistic and imaginative pursuits in astrology.

Astrological Connections

Connected to the Moon, representing intuition, emotion, and femininity. Commonly associated with zodiac signs Cancer and Pisces, which are ruled by the Moon.

Historical Context

The name gained popularity in Australia through literary and artistic use, notably in poetry and song. It is also associated with the Romantic movement in the 19th century and has seen resurgence among parents seeking names with celestial or natural themes.

Linguistic Adaptability

Adaptable across various languages; for example, 'Selene' in Greek, 'Sélène' in French, 'Selena' in Spanish. Often retains its phonetic pronunciation in Australia.

Famous People Named selen

• Selene, Greek Moon goddess (mythological)
• Selene Burney (Australian actress)
• Selen Mersinli (Australian artist of Turkish origin)

Popularity in Australia