Selah Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Selah Name Meaning

Fact: Selah is a term frequently found in the Psalms of the Hebrew Bible, where it appears 71 times.

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Selah Overview

Meaning

Rock, boulder, cliff, praise God, pause

Gender

Girl

Origin

Hebrew

Etymology

Derived from Hebrew, used in the Psalms to mean “pause” or “praise”​

Pronunciation

/ˈsiːlə/

Popularity

Selah is gaining popularity, especially in the United States. In 2023, it ranked 303rd for girls in the USA​

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

5 letters

Numerology

9 (Humanitarian, Selfless, Creative)

Name Styles

Unique, Religious and Spiritual, Earthy

Associated Traits

Reflective, serene, thoughtful, gentle

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Selah is frequently used in the Psalms to signify a pause for reflection or to praise, emphasizing its biblical and meditative importance

Name Day

October 1st (Poland)​
A Deep Dive

Selah Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Selena, Seraphina, Celia

Common Nicknames

Elle, Sally, Selly

Diminutives

Sela, Sel, Lala, Sisi

Famous People

  • Selah Sue
    (Belgian Singer)
  • Selah Victor
    (American Actress)
  • Selah Marley
    (American Model)
  • Selah Louise
    (British Author)
  • Selah Avery
    (American Activist)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • "Selah and the Spades"
    (2019 Film)
  • Selah Strong
    ("Turn: Washington's Spies," TV Series)
  • "Selah's Song"
    (2017 Album)
  • "Selah: The Voice of a Mother's Love"
    (2018 Book)

Places

  • Selah City
    (Washington, USA)
  • Selah Ridge
    (Washington, USA)
  • Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve
    (Washington, USA)
  • Selah Butte
    (Oregon, USA)
  • Selah Heights
    (Washington, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Selah?

Selah means “pause and reflect” or “praise” in Hebrew, often used in biblical psalms. People named Selah are thoughtful, introspective, and often bring a sense of calm to those around them.

What Is the Origin of The Name Selah?

Selah has roots in ancient Hebrew, frequently appearing in the Book of Psalms in the Hebrew Bible. It suggests a pause or break in the music, highlighting its significance in religious texts.

Selah Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Selah in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#3802021#3592022#3032023
Top 3 Rankings#3032023#3592022#3802021

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Selah

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023303
(+56 from 2022)
1010
(+130 from 2022)
0.05774
2022359
(+21 from 2021)
880
(+58 from 2021)
0.04908
2021380
(+46 from 2020)
822
(+102 from 2020)
0.04588
2020426
(+19 from 2019)
720
(+21 from 2019)
0.04073
2019445
(-13 from 2018)
699
(-33 from 2018)
0.03810
2018432
(+23 from 2017)
732
(+38 from 2017)
0.03936
2017455
(+10 from 2016)
694
(+8 from 2016)
0.03674
2016465
(-5 from 2015)
686
(-4 from 2015)
0.03544
2015460
(+79 from 2014)
690
(+113 from 2014)
0.03537
2014539
(-1 from 2013)
577
(+25 from 2013)
0.02949
2013538
(-11 from 2012)
552
(-22 from 2012)
0.02864
2012527
(+49 from 2011)
574
(+69 from 2011)
0.02960
2011576
(+66 from 2010)
505
(+45 from 2010)
0.02606
2010642
(+52 from 2009)
460
(+41 from 2009)
0.02346
2009694
(+78 from 2008)
419
(+39 from 2008)
0.02069
2008772
(+61 from 2007)
380
(+36 from 2007)
0.01824
2007833
(-1 from 2006)
344
(+20 from 2006)
0.01625
2006832
(+108 from 2005)
324
(+61 from 2005)
0.01550
2005940
(+289 from 2004)
263
(+84 from 2004)
0.01296
20041229
(-34 from 2003)
179
No change from 2003
0.00887
20031195
(+80 from 2002)
179
(+25 from 2002)
0.00892
20021275
(+231 from 2001)
154
(+30 from 2001)
0.00780
20011506
(+35 from 2000)
124
(+8 from 2000)
0.00626
20001541
(+113 from 1999)
116
(+16 from 1999)
0.00581
19991654
(+1102 from 1998)
100
(+52 from 1998)
0.00514
19982756
(+692 from 1997)
48
(+15 from 1997)
0.00248
19973448
(-482 from 1996)
33
(-7 from 1996)
0.00173
19962966
(-35 from 1995)
40
No change from 1995
0.00209
19952931
(+2782 from 1994)
40
(+24 from 1994)
0.00208
19945713
(-1456 from 1993)
16
(-8 from 1993)
0.00082
19934257
(+793 from 1992)
24
(+5 from 1992)
0.00122
19925050
(+608 from 1991)
19
(+3 from 1991)
0.00095
19915658
(+1644 from 1990)
16
(+5 from 1990)
0.00079
19907302
(+1459 from 1989)
11
(+3 from 1989)
0.00054
19898761
(-1070 from 1988)
8
(-1 from 1988)
0.00040
19887691
(-2835 from 1987)
9
(-7 from 1987)
0.00047
19874856
(+901 from 1986)
16
(+4 from 1986)
0.00085
19865757
(+1804 from 1985)
12
(+4 from 1985)
0.00065
19857561
(+1583 from 1984)
8
(+2 from 1984)
0.00043
19849144
(-1097 from 1983)
6
(-1 from 1983)
0.00033
19838047
(-3700 from 1982)
7
(-10 from 1982)
0.00039
19824347
(+1976 from 1981)
17
(+7 from 1981)
0.00094
19816323
(-410 from 1980)
10
(-1 from 1980)
0.00056
19805913
(+781 from 1979)
11
(+2 from 1979)
0.00062
19796694
(-2015 from 1978)
9
(-5 from 1978)
0.00052
19784679
(+2213 from 1977)
14
(+6 from 1977)
0.00085
19776892
(+1265 from 1976)
8
(+2 from 1976)
0.00049
19768157
(-1258 from 1974)
6
(-1 from 1974)
0.00038
19750
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19746899
(+1522 from 1973)
7
(+2 from 1973)
0.00045
19738421
(-1131 from 1972)
5
(-1 from 1972)
0.00032
19727290
(-488 from 1967)
6
(+1 from 1967)
0.00037
19710
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19700
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19690
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19680
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19676802
(-945 from 1962)
5
(-1 from 1962)
0.00029
19660
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19650
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19640
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19630
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19625857
First SSA data recorded
6
First SSA data recorded
0.00030
19610
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19600
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19590
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19580
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19570
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19560
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19550
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19540
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19530
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19520
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19510
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19500
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19490
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19480
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19470
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19460
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19450
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19440
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19430
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19420
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19410
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19400
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19390
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19380
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19370
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19360
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19350
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19340
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19330
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19320
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19310
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19300
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19290
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19280
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19270
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19260
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19250
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19240
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19230
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19220
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19210
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19200
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19190
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19180
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19170
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19160
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19150
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19140
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19130
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19120
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19110
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19100
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19090
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19080
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19070
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19060
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19050
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19040
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19030
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19020
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19010
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
19000
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18990
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18980
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18970
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18960
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18950
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18940
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18930
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18920
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18910
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18900
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18890
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18880
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18870
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18860
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18850
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18840
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18830
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18820
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18810
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000
18800
No SSA data
0
No SSA data
0.0000

American States Popularity Rankings for Selah

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#3932021#3672022#2962023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#4532021#4952022#2902023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3742021#3112022#3242023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#3832021#2682022#2062023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#2862021#2562022#2992023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#4272021#3772022#2552023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#4512021#2492022#3222023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#4472021#3632022#3082023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#3882021#4682022#4442023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#6112021#7212022#6172023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#2042021#2672022#1762023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#3062021#3352022#4542023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#3202021#3352022#1782023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#2652021#2582022#3042023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3632021#2752022#2672023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#3232021#2412022#2112023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#4612021#3062022#2592023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#3172021#3772022#3622023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#3742021#2942022#4132023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#2032021#3262022#2462023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#3462021#2802022#2232023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#2952021#2432022#3502023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#3072021#4292022#3452023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#7272021#9422022#4872023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#5692021#2642022#2402023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#6652021#6582022#3112023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#4572021#5602022#2632023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#5322021#4792022#3122023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#2822021#3252022#1962023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4012019#3962022#4462023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#4752021#5522022#6932023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1802020#2212022#1412023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#7182020#8392021#5022022

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#4892020#4012022#3452023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#3582021#2742022#1762023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#3602020#2972021#2782022

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#2612015#1642017#1182023

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#4262017#2552018#3312019

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2122016#2552018#1362021

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#2662017#2442020#1322022

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#8252019#8222021#7562023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5962020#4672022

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#3282007#3672018

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#2152006#2282011

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1422022

Popularity Rankings for Selah in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#7852021#5892022#4282023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Selah a Name for Boys or Girls?

Selah is most frequently a feminine name. Its use in religious texts and its peaceful meaning contribute to its popularity as a girl’s name.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Selah

Selah in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Selah Sue (Singer, born 1989): A Belgian singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and hit songs.
  • Selah Victor (Actress, born 1981): An American actress and voice-over artist featured in various TV shows and animated series.
  • Selah Marley (Model, born 1999): An American model and singer, daughter of Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley.
  • Selah Louise (Author, born 1975): A British author acclaimed for her historical fiction novels.
  • Selah Avery (Activist, 1980–2020): A prominent American civil rights activist who worked tirelessly for social justice.
  • Selah McAllister (Painter, born 1950): An Australian painter whose works have been exhibited internationally.
  • Selah Adah (Athlete, born 1995): A Nigerian track and field athlete known for her sprinting prowess.
  • "Selah and the Spades" (2019 Film): Follows Selah, the head of a faction at an elite boarding school involved in underground activities.
  • Selah Strong ("Turn: Washington's Spies," 2014 TV Series): A character who supports the American Revolution through espionage.
  • "Selah's Song" (2017 Album): An album that explores themes of faith, hope, and resilience.
  • "Selah: The Voice of a Mother's Love" (2018 Book): A heartwarming story about a mother's unconditional love and sacrifice.
  • "Selah's Garden" (2021 Novel): A fantasy novel where Selah discovers a magical garden that changes her life.
  • "Selah" (2016 Song by Kanye West): A powerful track that blends gospel elements with modern beats.
  • Selah City (Washington, USA): A city in Yakima County, located in the fertile Yakima Valley, famous for its apple orchards.
  • Selah Ridge (Washington, USA): A ridge in central Washington, offering panoramic views of the Yakima Valley.
  • Selah Creek (Washington, USA): A creek that flows through the Yakima Valley, contributing to the local irrigation system.
  • Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve (Washington, USA): A protected area featuring unique geological formations and native plant species.
  • Selah Butte (Oregon, USA): A prominent butte located in the high desert of central Oregon, popular with hikers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Selah Heights (Washington, USA): A residential neighborhood in Selah offering scenic views of the surrounding area.

Similar Names to Selah

Sibling Names for Selah

Parents Who Like the Name Selah Also Like

I hope our journey through the name Selah has sparked some inspiration for your baby’s name. Thanks for joining us, and happy naming!
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

Expertise

Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

Education

1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.
Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *