Selah is a captivating name imbued with a sense of musicality and profound meaning. It’s a name that resonates with history, spirituality, and a touch of modern flair, making it an increasingly popular choice for baby girls. The name Selah offers a unique blend of tradition and individuality, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful moniker for their child.
Selah Name Meaning
The name Selah carries a unique sense of musicality and emphasis. It evokes images of reflective pauses in a beautiful song or a moment of significance.
Origins of the Name Selah
The origins of Selah are rooted deep within the Hebrew Bible. It’s a word prominently featured in the Book of Psalms, appearing a remarkable 73 times. While its precise meaning remains a subject of scholarly debate, the prevailing interpretation suggests it’s a musical notation. Many believe Selah indicated a pause, a rest, or a moment of heightened emphasis within a musical piece.
Different interpretations offer further layers of meaning. Some scholars translate Selah as "forever," signifying eternity or a timeless quality. Others propose "to lift up," implying elevation, praise, or an upward movement of the spirit. Regardless of the specific interpretation, Selah’s presence in the Psalms connects it to themes of worship, reflection, and spiritual contemplation. The ambiguity surrounding its meaning only adds to its mystique and allows for personal interpretation.
Popularity of the Name Selah
While Selah has ancient roots, its popularity as a given name is a relatively recent phenomenon. The rise of Selah began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, steadily gaining traction in the following decades. This upward trend reflects a growing interest in unique, meaningful names with historical or spiritual significance.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable data on name popularity in the United States. Examining this data reveals a clear picture of Selah’s ascent.
- Early 1900s to 1991: Selah was virtually absent from the SSA’s records, indicating extremely rare usage as a given name.
- 1992 – 1998: Occasional appearances with ranks in the 3000s, with less than 20 births per year.
- 1999: A significant jump, with the name ranking at 1600.
- 2000-2010: Gradual climb within the top 1000 names.
- 2011-2020: Steady climb into the top 500, indicating growing popularity.
- 2021-2023: Continues to rise in popularity, reaching the 303rd position in 2023, with 990 births.
In 2020, Selah ranked as the 474th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, a testament to its increasing appeal. The latest data from 2023 shows that Selah is the 303rd most popular name with 990 births. This surge suggests that Selah is well on its way to becoming an even more widely recognized and cherished name.
Final Thoughts on the Name Selah
Selah is more than just a name; it’s a statement. It’s a unique and beautiful choice that carries a rich history and a captivating sense of musicality. Its rising popularity suggests that parents are increasingly drawn to its distinctive sound and profound meaning.
Choosing the name Selah for your daughter ensures she’ll have a conversation starter from day one. Whether you embrace the interpretation of "forever" or "to lift up," Selah promises to be a standout name, offering a refreshing alternative to more common choices. Your little Selah will undoubtedly make her own mark on the world, carrying with her the timeless beauty and spiritual depth associated with this remarkable name.
Siblings of Selah
Parents who choose the name Selah often select other names that share a similar aesthetic or meaning. Some sibling names for Selah include:
- Hudson
- Bram
- Fanny
- Athan
- Brigid
- Evangeline
- Rowan
- Scarlett
- Sayer
- Israel
- Zane