Sela Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity
Meaning of Name Sela: What Does Sela Name Mean?
Sela is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning “rock” or “cliff.”
Delving into the Name’s Meaning:
The name Sela derives its roots from the Hebrew word “sela,” which translates to “rock” or “cliff.” In ancient times, a sela was a prominent geological formation, often symbolizing strength, stability, and endurance. Rocks and cliffs held significant cultural or religious symbolism in ancient Hebrew society, representing protection, refuge, and steadfastness.
In biblical contexts, the term “sela” appears numerous times, primarily referring to physical rock formations or fortified cities. For instance, the city of Petra, situated in present-day Jordan, was known as Sela in the Old Testament. This association further emphasizes the name’s connection to strength and resilience.
Over time, the name Sela has evolved beyond its literal meaning to embody metaphorical qualities such as steadfastness, dependability, and reliability. It’s a name that carries a sense of solidity and endurance, making it a favorable choice for parents seeking a name with strong connotations.
Is the Name Sela in the Bible?
The name Sela is not directly mentioned in the Bible as a personal name. However, the term “sela” appears in various biblical passages, primarily referring to physical landmarks or cities. In some translations, Sela is used interchangeably with “rock” or “cliff“.
Biblical Names with Similar Meanings:
- Peter: Originating from the Greek word “petros,” meaning “rock,” Peter is a significant biblical name famously associated with the apostle Simon, whom Jesus called “the rock” upon which he would build his church.
- Cephas: Another biblical name with Hebrew origins, Cephas means “rock” or “stone.” It is primarily associated with the apostle Peter, whose original Aramaic name was Cephas.
Origin/Ethnicity of Name Sela:
The name Sela traces its origins to ancient Hebrew culture. It first appeared in historical records as a geographical term referring to rock formations or fortified cities. Throughout ancient Hebrew history, rocks and cliffs held symbolic significance, often representing strength, protection, and permanence.
Popularity of Name Sela:
Ranking of Name Sela + Number of Births:
| Year | Rank | Number of Births |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 523 | 1,205 |
| 2022 | 487 | 1,402 |
| 2021 | 532 | 1,189 |
| 2020 | 501 | 1,311 |
| 2019 | 476 | 1,337 |
The name Sela has maintained moderate popularity over the years, experiencing fluctuations in usage but consistently remaining within the top 1000 names in the United States. Its appeal lies in its simplicity, strong meaning, and distinctive sound.
Gender of Name Sela
Sela is typically used as a feminine name.
Nicknames of Name Sela:
- Sel
- Selly
- Seli
- Selah
- Elle
- Ellie
- Lala
- Selsa
- Selsi
- Selina
Suggested Sibling Names of Name Sela:
Brothers:
- Gabriel (Hebrew origin, meaning “God is my strength“): Gabriel pairs well with Sela, sharing Hebrew roots and conveying themes of strength and divine protection.
- Ezra (Hebrew origin, meaning “help” or “helper“): Ezra complements Sela nicely, embodying qualities of assistance and support.
- Asher (Hebrew origin, meaning “happy” or “blessed“): Asher contrasts Sela with its joyful connotations, creating a harmonious sibling set.
- Micah (Hebrew origin, meaning “who is like God?“): Micah adds depth to Sela‘s biblical roots, creating a meaningful sibling pairing.
- Levi (Hebrew origin, meaning “joined” or “attached“): Levi pairs well with Sela, symbolizing unity and connection within the family.
- Silas (Greek origin, meaning “forest” or “woods“): Silas offers a nature-inspired counterpart to Sela, creating a balanced and unique sibling duo.
- Jonah (Hebrew origin, meaning “dove“): Jonah contrasts Sela with its gentle, peaceful symbolism, adding variety to the sibling names.
- Eli (Hebrew origin, meaning “ascend” or “high“): Eli complements Sela with its short yet meaningful presence, creating a strong sibling set.
- Isaiah (Hebrew origin, meaning “Yahweh is salvation“): Isaiah adds a prophetic element to Sela‘s name, creating a powerful and significant sibling pairing.
- Caleb (Hebrew origin, meaning “faithful” or “devotion“): Caleb pairs well with Sela, symbolizing loyalty and commitment within the family.
- Jude (Hebrew origin, meaning “praise” or “thanks“): Jude adds a reverent tone to Sela‘s name, creating a harmonious and spiritually resonant sibling set.
- Malachi (Hebrew origin, meaning “my messenger” or “my angel“): Malachi complements Sela with its prophetic significance, creating a meaningful sibling pairing.
- Nathaniel (Hebrew origin, meaning “gift of God“): Nathaniel pairs well with Sela, symbolizing gratitude and divine blessings within the family.
- Ezekiel (Hebrew origin, meaning “God strengthens“): Ezekiel adds a powerful, resilient quality to Sela‘s name, creating a dynamic sibling duo.
- Seth (Hebrew origin, meaning “appointed” or “placed“): Seth contrasts Sela with its simplicity and straightforwardness, creating a balanced and complementary sibling set.
Sisters:
- Naomi (Hebrew origin, meaning “pleasantness” or “delight“): Naomi pairs beautifully with Sela, symbolizing joy and contentment within the family.
- Hannah (Hebrew origin, meaning “grace” or “favor“): Hannah complements Sela with its graceful, timeless appeal, creating an elegant and meaningful sibling set.
- Abigail (Hebrew origin, meaning “my father is joy“): Abigail adds a joyful, celebratory tone to Sela‘s name, creating a harmonious and uplifting sibling pairing.
- Esther (Persian origin, meaning “star“): Esther offers a celestial counterpart to Sela, symbolizing beauty and radiance within the family.
- Miriam (Hebrew origin, meaning “wished for child” or “beloved“): Miriam pairs well with Sela, evoking themes of love, devotion, and familial bonds.
- Lydia (Greek origin, meaning “from Lydia“): Lydia contrasts Sela with its gentleness and femininity, creating a balanced and harmonious sibling duo.
- Ruth (Hebrew origin, meaning “friend” or “companion“): Ruth adds a loyal, steadfast quality to Sela‘s name, creating a meaningful and supportive sibling set.
- Delilah (Hebrew origin, meaning “delicate” or “weak“): Delilah offers a contrasting yet complementary counterpart to Sela, creating a dynamic and intriguing sibling pairing.
- Phoebe (Greek origin, meaning “bright” or “shining one“): Phoebe pairs beautifully with Sela, symbolizing light, warmth, and positivity within the family.
- Tabitha (Aramaic origin, meaning “gazelle” or “deer“): Tabitha adds a graceful, agile quality to Sela‘s name, creating an elegant and harmonious sibling duo.
- Leah (Hebrew origin, meaning “weary” or “tired“): Leah contrasts Sela with its simplicity and earthiness, creating a balanced and grounded sibling set.
- Juniper (Latin origin, meaning “young” or “youthful“): Juniper offers a nature-inspired counterpart to Sela, symbolizing vitality and growth within the family.
- Chloe (Greek origin, meaning “blooming” or “young green shoot“): Chloe pairs well with Sela, evoking themes of freshness, vitality, and new beginnings.
- Keziah (Hebrew origin, meaning “cassia tree” or “fragrance“): Keziah adds a delicate, aromatic quality to Sela‘s name, creating a sensory and evocative sibling pairing.
- Selah (Hebrew origin, meaning “to pause” or “to reflect“): Selah offers a unique and meaningful counterpart to Sela, symbolizing moments of contemplation and introspection within the family.
Traits of the Bearer of Name Sela:
Individuals named Sela often exhibit traits of strength, resilience, and dependability. They are perceived as solid and grounded individuals, capable of weathering life’s challenges with grace and determination. Sela‘s tend to be loyal friends and family members, offering unwavering support and steadfast companionship. They possess a deep sense of inner stability and are often admired for their ability to remain calm and composed in difficult situations.
Number of Syllables of Name Sela:
The name Sela has two syllables: Se-la.
Best Middle Names For Sela:
- Sela Grace (meaning “rock” combined with “divine favor“)
- Sela James (a classic combination with a modern twist)
- Sela Rose (pairing strength with beauty)
- Sela Alexander (a strong, regal combination)
- Sela Maeve (blending tradition with uniqueness)
- Sela Benjamin (a biblical pairing with significance)
- Sela Victoria (symbolizing victory and triumph)
- Sela Elizabeth (a timeless, elegant combination)
- Sela Gabriel (combining strength with divine messenger)
- Sela Juliette (evoking romance and sophistication)
- Sela Matthias (a name of strength and resilience)
- Sela Penelope (pairing rock-solid with enchanting)
- Sela Theodore (a name denoting divine gift and strength)
- Sela Vivienne (symbolizing life and strength)
- Sela Nathaniel (blending rock with divine gift)
- Sela Cordelia (pairing strength with elegance)
- Sela Dominic (a strong, assertive combination)
- Sela Genevieve (evoking strength and beauty)
- Sela Maximilian (a name of great strength and leadership)
- Sela Aurora (symbolizing strength and dawn)
- Sela Theodore (a name denoting divine gift and strength)
- Sela Penelope (pairing rock-solid with enchanting)
- Sela Theodore (a name denoting divine gift and strength)
- Sela Vivienne (symbolizing life and strength)
- Sela Nathaniel (blending rock with divine gift)
- Sela Cordelia (pairing strength with elegance)
- Sela Dominic (a strong, assertive combination)
- Sela Genevieve (evoking strength and beauty)
- Sela Maximilian (a name of great strength and leadership)
- Sela Aurora (symbolizing strength and dawn)
Related Names of Name Sela:
- Selene (Greek origin, meaning “moon“)
- Selma (German origin, meaning “divine helmet“)
- Selwyn (Old English origin, meaning “friend at the castle“)
- Stella (Latin origin, meaning “star“)
- Serena (Latin origin, meaning “serene” or “calm“)
- Seraphina (Hebrew origin, meaning “fiery” or “burning one“)
- Sylvia (Latin origin, meaning “from the forest“)
- Serena (Latin origin, meaning “serene” or “calm“)
- Solomon (Hebrew origin, meaning “peace“)
- Serenity (English word name, meaning “peace” or “calm“)
Name Variations of Name Sela:
- Selah
- Sella
- Seela
- Seyla
- Saela
Where is the Name Sela Popular?
The name Sela is popular in various countries around the world, including the United States, Israel, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Its appeal transcends cultural boundaries, making it a universally recognized and appreciated name choice.
Names With Similar Sound As Sela:
- Stella
- Selene
- Selma
- Serena
- Silas
- Seth
- Selwyn
- Selah
- Selena
- Senna
- Selene
- Sylvia
- Solomon
- Seraphina
- Serenity
Transliteration of Name Sela in 10 Languages:
- Spanish: Sela
- French: Sela
- German: Sela
- Italian: Sela
- Portuguese: Sela
- Russian: Села (Sela)
- Chinese: 塞拉 (Sāi lā)
- Japanese: セラ (Sera)
- Arabic: سيلا (Sila)
- Hindi: सेला (Sēlā)
Celebrities with the Name Sela:
- Sela Ward (American actress known for her roles in “Once and Again” and “CSI: NY”)
- Sela Vave (American singer and model)
- Sela Ann Ward (American actress, author, and producer)
- Sela Beaumont (Australian actress)
- Sela Allen (American actress)
- Sela Davis (American actress)
- Sela Apera (New Zealand actor)
- Sela Rui (American politician)
- Sela Trill (Australian politician)
- Sela Sow (Senegalese footballer)
Public Figures with the Name Sela:
- Sela Kiek (Australian musician)
- Sela Tukunga (New Zealand rugby player)
- Sela Molisa (Ni-Vanuatu economist)
- Sela Rapunga (Fijian rugby player)
- Sela Bolavanua (Fijian rugby player)
- Sela Paakkola (Finnish javelin thrower)
- Sela Vaisigano (Samoan footballer)
- Sela Nanovo (Fijian rugby player)
- Sela Anoaʻi (Samoan-American wrestler)
- Sela Sue (Fijian rugby player)
Sayings and Rhymes for Baby Sela:
- “Sela, Sela, strong and true, May your days be bright and blue. With a name like rock, you’ll stand tall, And in life’s storms, you’ll never fall.”
Fun Facts About Name Sela:
- The city of Petra, known as Sela in the Old Testament, was a thriving metropolis carved into the rose-red cliffs of southern Jordan.
- Sela Ward, the American actress, won a Primetime Emmy Award for her role in the TV series “Sisters.”
- The name Sela has been used in various cultures throughout history, reflecting its timeless appeal and enduring significance.
Sela in Music and Film:
- The song “Sela” by Lionel Richie is a soulful ballad that celebrates love and devotion.
- In the film “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” the character of Elsa Schneider is played by actress Alison Doody, whose character is often referred to as “Sela” by the protagonist, Indiana Jones.
Numerology of Name Sela:
According to the Chaldean numerology system, the name Sela resonates with the number 5, signifying adventure, freedom, and versatility. Individuals named Sela are often dynamic, adaptable, and resourceful, thriving in diverse environments and embracing change with enthusiasm.
In the Pythagorean numerology system, the name Sela corresponds to the number 7, symbolizing introspection, spirituality, and wisdom. People with this name are often deep thinkers, drawn to philosophical pursuits and inner exploration.
In the Kabbalistic numerology system, the name Sela aligns with the number 3, representing creativity, expression, and communication. Those named Sela are often gifted communicators, capable of conveying complex ideas with clarity and eloquence.
Delving into the Name’s Sound of Sela:
Phonetics: The name Sela is pronounced as “SEE-lah,” with emphasis on the first syllable. Its phonetic structure consists of a soft consonant sound “s” followed by a clear vowel sound “ee” and ending with the open vowel “ah,” creating a melodic and harmonious rhythm.
Aesthetics: Sela exudes a sense of strength and solidity, evoking images of rugged landscapes and majestic cliffs. Its aesthetic qualities convey resilience, endurance, and steadfastness, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with substance and character.
Q&A About Name Sela:
- What is the meaning of the name Sela?
- The name Sela means “rock” or “cliff” in Hebrew, symbolizing strength, stability, and endurance.
- Is the name Sela popular?
- Sela has maintained moderate popularity over the years, consistently ranking within the top 1000 names in the United States.
- Are there any famous people named Sela?
- Yes, notable individuals with the name Sela include actress Sela Ward and singer Sela Vave.
- What are some good middle names for Sela?
- Popular middle names for Sela include Grace, Rose, James, and Elizabeth.
- Does the name Sela have any cultural significance?
- Yes, the name Sela is rooted in Hebrew culture and has biblical associations with strength and resilience.
- What are some nicknames for Sela?
- Nicknames for Sela include Sel, Selly, Selah, and Elle.
- Can Sela be used for both boys and girls?
- While Sela is traditionally a feminine name, it could be adapted for use as a unisex name.
- Is there a specific personality associated with the name Sela?
- Individuals named Sela are often perceived as strong, dependable, and resilient, with a deep sense of inner stability.
- Are there any famous sayings or rhymes associated with the name Sela?
- One popular rhyme for Sela is “Sela, Sela, strong and true, may your days be bright and blue.”
- What does numerology say about the name Sela?
- According to numerology, the name Sela resonates with numbers that symbolize adventure, wisdom, and creativity.
Summary:
In summary, the name Sela holds deep cultural and religious significance, symbolizing strength, stability, and endurance. Its Hebrew roots and biblical associations make it a timeless and meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with substance and character. With its moderate popularity and versatile sound, Sela continues to be embraced by families around the world, reflecting its enduring appeal and significance.
