Selene

What does the baby name “Selene” mean?

Selene is an ancient Greek name meaning "light" or "the shining one," carried by the goddess of the moon herself, giving it a luminous, timeless quality that still shines centuries later.

Origin of the baby name Selene

Selene comes directly from Ancient Greek Σελήνη, derived from the root σέλας (selas), meaning light, brightness, or radiance. In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon, the sister of Helios (the sun) and Eos (the dawn), who drove her silver chariot across the night sky. The name has been preserved in Italian and other Romance-language traditions, where it has been treasured for its luminous meaning and classical beauty.

History of the baby name “Selene”

As a mythological name, Selene has been known throughout the Western world since ancient times, but it experienced particular revival through the Renaissance and later Romantic periods, when classical names and mythological figures captured the imagination of artists, writers, and parents alike. Through the 20th century and into the 21st, it has been appreciated as a less common alternative to Selena, carrying more of its original Greek gravity while still sounding beautiful and approachable.

Why parents choose the baby name “Selene”

Selene is a baby name that glows: its meaning, its mythology, and its sound all pull in the same direction, toward something radiant and a little otherworldly. It has the depth of a name with a real story behind it, and the elegance of something that sounds at home in any language. Parents drawn to moon imagery, classical mythology, or simply a name that sounds genuinely beautiful often find Selene an irresistible choice.

Nicknames for the Baby Name “Selene”

Sel, Sely, Selin, Selkin, Selster, Selerino, Selinator

Nicknames from Around the World for the Baby Name “Selene”

Terms of endearment for a baby name work differently around the world. Some cultures clip the name short, while others add an affectionate ending that can make it longer instead. Here is how the baby name Selene might sound as a nickname in a few other languages and dialects.

Variations on the baby name “Selene”

The closest relative is Selena, the more common Spanish and English form, which shares the same luminous roots. Seline is a variant found in some European traditions. The related name Celene brings a softer initial sound. Luna (Latin for moon) and Phoebe (another Greek moon epithet) are thematic cousins for parents in love with the same celestial territory.

Baby names similar to “Selene”

These baby names share spelling patterns with Selene and may appeal to parents who love the look and feel of this name.

Baby names that sound like “Selene”

Baby sibling names for Selene

Matched by similar popularity, name length, and ending sound. See baby sibling names with numerology compatible with Selene →

Baby Middle Names for Selene

Picked for a different ending sound and rhythm than Selene, so the two names flow well said together as a pair.

The “Name Game” for “Selene”

Baby names starting with SEL

Baby names ending with ENE