Selena

Origin

Derived from the Greek name Selēnē (Σεληνη), meaning 'Moon'. In ancient Greek mythology, Selēnē was the goddess of the moon, associated with lunar phases and tides. In the context of Australian culture, the name gained popularity through its celestial connotations and its use in literature and music. The name is not of Aboriginal Australian or Māori origin.

Meaning

Literal translation is 'Moon'. In Australian English contexts, it connotes brightness, serenity, and femininity, often evoking images of the night sky and celestial beauty.

Pronunciation

/sɪˈliːnə/ (sih-LEE-nuh), with the emphasis on the second syllable, reflecting typical Australian English pronunciation (also /səˈliːnə/ in some regions).

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 01 August (Catholic feast day of Saint Sylvia, often associated with lunar symbolism)
• In M
  01ori tradition, the moon is significant in various cultural observances, though no specific 'name day' exists for Selena.
• Moon-related festivals in Indigenous Australian astronomy, such as the Boorong people's lunar cycles

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with selena:

• Charlotte and Selena
• Amara and Selena
• Grace and Selena

Fun Facts

• The name Selena rose to international popularity due to the American singer Selena Quintanilla, inspiring many families in Australia.
• In Australian pop culture, the name is often associated with a gentle, artistic persona due to its celestial connotations.
• The asteroid 145772 Selena is named after the name, reflecting its astronomical significance.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name selena:

• Dreamy
• Serene
• Creative
• Gentle
• Artistic

Aesthetic Qualities

Elegant and smooth in appearance, with a flowing, lyrical quality that appeals visually and sonically in Australian English writing and speech. Often associated with celestial and feminine imagery.

Geographical Distribution

More commonly used in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, where celestial or artistic names are popular among contemporary families in Australia.

Numerological Significance

Name number 3, suggesting creativity, expression, and social harmony, with positive astrological influences linked to the Moon and Cancer zodiac signs.

Astrological Connections

Associated with the Moon, indicating emotional sensitivity, nurturing qualities, and artistic talent. Commonly connected with Cancer (June-July) and Pisces (February-March).

Historical Context

Famous Australian bearers include actress Selena Taylor and singer Selena Gomez, though her international fame is not specific to Australia. The name has appeared in Australian literature and media as a symbol of serenity and celestial beauty.

Linguistic Adaptability

Adaptable across languages, with international variants like Selina and Celina commonly used, especially in multicultural Australian communities. The name transliterates straightforwardly into non-Latin scripts, maintaining its phonetic integrity.

Famous People Named selena

• Selena Quintanilla (Singer)
• Selena Gomez (Actress and singer)
• Selena Taylor (Australian actress)

Popularity in Australia