Sela is a unique and captivating female given name of Hebrew origin. The name means "rock" or "cliff," reflecting the strength and endurance associated with these natural formations.
The name Sela is derived from the Hebrew word "sélah," which appears numerous times in the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament. It serves as a musical instruction, indicating a pause or a break in the song. In some interpretations, it also symbolizes a cry for help or an expression of despair.
Throughout history, Sela has been a name given to daughters born into Jewish families who wished to bestow upon them a strong and resilient identity. While not extremely common, the name Sela is notable for its distinctiveness and the rich cultural heritage it carries with it.
In recent years, the name Sela has gained some popularity outside of Jewish communities due to its unique sound and meaning. Parents attracted to non-traditional names are increasingly choosing Sela for their daughters, drawn to its powerful and enduring connotations.
Overall, the name Sela is an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name with a rich cultural heritage. Its Hebrew origins and powerful meaning make it a name that will stand out while also carrying deep significance.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the popularity of the name Sela in the United States from 1950 to 2023.
The name Sela first appeared in the U.S. Social Security Administration's baby name database in 1950 with only 5 births that year. It continued to have a low occurrence over the next few decades, with no more than 7 births per year between 1954 and 1986.
However, the popularity of Sela began to rise significantly in the mid-1990s. In 1993 and 1994, there were 20 births each year, doubling from just two years prior. The trend continued with 29 births in 1995 and a peak of 81 births in the year 2000.
The popularity of Sela remained relatively high throughout the early to mid-2000s, with an average of around 60 births per year between 2000 and 2007. However, it started to decline again after 2007, with fewer than 50 births per year on average until 2014.
From 2014 onwards, the popularity of Sela continued to decrease, with no more than 34 births per year. In recent years, the number of newborn girls named Sela has remained consistently low, with only 29 births in 2022 and 25 births in 2023.
In total, from 1950 to 2023, there were 1,263 babies born in the United States with the name Sela. While it experienced periods of popularity, particularly between 1993 and 2007, the name's overall popularity has been relatively modest compared to other names throughout history.