Origin
Derived from the Latin name 'Selina', itself related to 'Selene', the Greek goddess of the moon. The name 'Selina' became popular in Europe during the Renaissance and has been used across various English-speaking countries, including Australia. It does not have indigenous Australian or Māori origins, and is primarily of Latin and Greek etymology.
Meaning
Literally means 'moon' or 'moon goddess', symbolising illumination and femininity in Australian cultural contexts. The name embodies qualities of serenity, femininity, and luminescence.
Pronunciation
/səˈliːnə/ (suh-LEE-nuh), with the stress on the second syllable, adapted closely from British and American English pronunciation in Australian English.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Selena (more common in Latin America and other European countries)
- Celina (used in various European countries)
- Seline (French variant)
Nicknames
- Sel
- Lina
- Sely
Name Days
- 8 August (Catholic feast day of Saint Selina)
- 15 December (Historical commemoration of Saint Selina)
- Māori celebrations of lunar phases, loosely connected to the name in cultural reflection
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with selina:
- Emily and Alice
- Charlotte and Olivia
- Mia and Ava (popular in Australian middle names)
Fun Facts
- Selina is associated with the actress Selina Kyle from the Batman universe, known as Catwoman.
- The name gained popularity in Australia during the late 20th century, often chosen for its elegant and timeless appeal.
- In Australian literature, fictional characters named Selina often embody grace and introspection.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name selina:
- graceful
- serene
- feminine
- intelligent
- creative
Aesthetic Qualities
Elegant and balanced visual appearance, with soft phonetic qualities that lend to a graceful typographic presentation in Australian print and media designs.
Geographical Distribution
While widespread across Australia, the name bears slightly higher popularity in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, reflecting broader trend trends in urban fashionable names.
Numerological Significance
Number 3 — Represents creativity, communication, and optimism, aligning with the name's associations with brightness and expressiveness in Australian culture.
Astrological Connections
Often associated with the Moon, which governs emotions and intuition, fitting its Latin root and lunar symbolism in astrology. Suitable for those born under Cancer or Pisces.
Historical Context
Notably used by Australian authors and artists; the name also appears in popular culture through characters in Australian TV shows and literature. It has no direct historical figures but is appreciated for its classical roots.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name adapts well across languages, with similar forms in Latin, Greek, and European languages, retaining phonetic integrity in international contexts.
Famous People Named selina
- Selina Kyle — Fictional character (Batman's Catwoman)
- Selina Roberts — Australian singer-songwriter
- Selina Mason — Australian actress
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
---|---|
2024 | 5 |
2017 | 3 |
2016 | 3 |
2015 | 5 |
2014 | 3 |