MyNameList

    Selah

    סֶלָה(Selah)

    Pronunciation: SEE-lah

    ⚥ Unisex
    Hebrew

    Meaning

    pause, reflect, or praise

    Origin

    Hebrew

    The Story Behind Selah

    Selah is a word of uncertain meaning found 74 times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the Psalms and three times in Habakkuk. It is believed to be a musical or liturgical direction, possibly indicating a pause for reflection, a crescendo, or a change in musical arrangement. While its precise meaning is debated among scholars, its presence in sacred texts has led to its adoption as a name, particularly in cultures influenced by the Bible. In modern usage, it is often interpreted as a call to pause, reflect, or praise, lending it a spiritual and contemplative quality.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Rising
    Peak decade:2010s
    Era:Biblical / Early Christian, Contemporary
    Popular in:United States

    Popularity Trends

    Is Selah Right for Your Baby?

    Selah is a Mystical, Soft, Contemplative name that suits parents looking for something with character. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseRegional
    PronunciationEasy

    Cultural Associations

    Biblical / Christian
    Jewish

    Regions Where Selah Is Used

    Hebrew / Jewish

    Name Vibe

    Mystical
    Soft
    Contemplative

    Famous People Named Selah

    • Selah Sue (Sanne Putseys), Belgian musician
    • Selah Marley, American model and singer (daughter of Rohan Marley and Lauryn Hill)
    • Selahattin Demirtaş, Kurdish politician (male, though the name is unisex)

    Selah in different fonts

    SelahDancing Script
    SelahCaveat
    SelahSatisfy
    SelahPacifico
    SelahGreat Vibes

    Names Similar to Selah

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Selah, you might also like names with these styles:

    Biblical names
    Unique but familiar

    Related Names

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Selah

    What does Selah mean?

    Selah means "pause, reflect, or praise". It is derived from Hebrew.

    What is the origin of Selah?

    Selah originates from Hebrew. Its cultural origin is Hebrew.

    Is Selah a male or female name?

    Selah is a unisex name.

    How do you pronounce Selah?

    Selah is pronounced "SEE-lah".

    What language does Selah come from?

    Selah comes from Hebrew.

    Is Selah a popular name?

    Selah is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is rising.

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