Origin
Hebrew
Syllables
2
Zodiac
Libra
Trend
Rising
At a glance
Selah is a name often given to girls. Ranked #280 and is currently rising on the charts. It comes from a Hebrew origin and traditionally means "To pause or lift up in praise". It has 2 syllables.
The Story of Selah
Selah comes from Hebrew, used 71 times in the Psalms and Habakkuk as a musical notation meaning 'pause' or 'to lift up,' possibly indicating a moment for reflection or emphasis in worship. Its evolution as a given name began in the 19th century among religious communities, gaining traction in the U.S. during the 2000s with the rise of biblical names for girls. The name's simplicity and spiritual depth have made it a favorite in Christian and Jewish naming traditions.
Culturally, Selah signifies a sacred interlude, embodying mindfulness and reverence in Jewish liturgy and Protestant hymns. It resonates in African American spirituals, where pauses in song allow for emotional depth. Parents select Selah to instill values of gratitude and introspection, often linking it to artistic expression and inner peace.
In media, Selah appears as Selah Strong in historical fiction and Selah in 'The Shack' film, representing healing. Fictional characters like Selah in young adult novels highlight resilience. Its use in music, such as Selah the band's name, underscores its harmonious vibe in pop culture.
Personality traits include serenity, as Selah-named individuals often seek balance and calm in chaos. They possess artistic sensibilities, drawn to music and poetry for expression. This name encourages a thoughtful demeanor, fostering empathy and creative problem-solving.
Popularity
Currently ranked #280 on the Baby Billboard Charts. Peak rank: #280. Changed +21 positions from last year.
Numerology Profile
Life path 9 is humanitarian, focused on compassion and universal love. These souls work for the greater good, embracing endings for new beginnings. They inspire change with their idealistic vision.
Soul urge 6 desires harmony in home and relationships, nurturing those around them. They seek beauty and responsibility in daily life. This vibration brings fulfillment through caregiving.
Personality 3 charms with creativity and sociability, lighting up any room. You express joy through art and communication. This number attracts fun and inspiration.
Expression 7 delves into knowledge and spirituality, seeking deeper truths. You analyze with intuition and wisdom. This path leads to profound insights and growth.
Zodiac & Astrology
Libra
Libra's pursuit of balance and beauty echoes Selah's pause for reflection. The sign's artistic harmony complements the name's poetic essence. This duo cultivates grace and relational depth.
Strengths
Compatible Signs
Lucky Numbers
Lucky Colors
Best Career Paths
Name Energy & Vibe
Selah emanates a tranquil, uplifting energy that invites stillness amid motion. It feels like a gentle breeze carrying whispers of inspiration. This vibe nurtures creativity and spiritual renewal.
Color Aura
Pale Lavender
Element
Air
Season
Autumn
Gemstone
Amethyst
Spirit Animal
Dove
Power Word
Pause
Energy Type
Air × Autumn
Personality & Traits
Reflective
Selah inspires deep reflection, allowing for meaningful self-discovery. Individuals pause to appreciate life's nuances. This trait enhances emotional intelligence.
Artistic
A natural artistic flair draws them to creative pursuits like music and writing. They express emotions beautifully. This quality enriches their world and others'.
Graceful
Grace defines their movements and interactions, exuding poise. They handle situations with elegance. This trait makes them admired and serene.
Empathetic
Empathy connects them deeply with others' feelings. They offer comfort without judgment. This fosters strong, supportive relationships.
Spiritual
Spirituality guides their life, seeking higher purpose. They find solace in faith and meditation. This trait brings inner peace and direction.
Harmonious
Harmony is key, balancing aspects of life with ease. They mediate conflicts gently. This quality promotes peaceful environments.
Inspirational
They inspire through quiet strength and positivity. Others look to them for motivation. This trait amplifies their influence positively.
Famous People Named Selah
Selah Sue
Belgian singer-songwriter known for her soulful reggae music.
Selah Strong
Historical figure, wife of Revolutionary War general.
Selahattin Aydoğdu
Turkish weightlifter and Olympic medalist.
Selah Marley
Daughter of Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley, model and artist.
Selahattin Demirtaş
Turkish politician and author.
Selah B. Strong
American suffragist and educator.
Selah in Pop Culture
Selah
The Shack (film)
Selah Strong
Turn: Washington's Spies (TV series)
Selah
Selah and the Spades (film)
Selah
Psalms (various musical adaptations)
Selah Purr
American Horror Story (TV series)
Selah
The Bible (miniseries)
Historical Events
1000 BCE
Composition of Psalms, where Selah first appears in scripture.
1611
King James Bible includes Selah, influencing English naming.
2000
Rise in biblical names like Selah in modern U.S. culture.
International Variations
Selah in Different Scripts
سيلاه
Arabic
塞拉
Chinese (Mandarin)
セラ
Japanese (Katakana)
셀라
Korean
סֶלָה
Hebrew
Σελά
Greek
Села
Cyrillic
सेला
Hindi (Devanagari)
Nicknames & Short Forms
Middle Name Suggestions
Beautiful middle name pairings with Selah:
Selah Rose
Selah Grace
Selah Mae
Selah Joy
Selah Faith
Selah Hope
Selah Lynn
Selah Rae
Selah Skye
Selah Dawn
Fun Facts & Trivia
Selah appears 71 times in the Bible, mainly in Psalms as a musical pause.
It entered U.S. top 1000 girls' names in 2008.
Singer Selah Sue popularized a modern, artistic association.
The name means 'rock' in some interpretations, symbolizing stability.
Selah is used in worship music to denote moments of praise.
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girlPronunciation
SEE-luh
Quick Facts
This page is reviewed by the Baby Billboard Charts editorial team. Rankings come from official U.S. Social Security Administration birth records, with descriptions checked for clarity and usefulness. See our Editorial Policy for our methodology and correction process.