Historically, the name serves as a musical instruction, but etymologically, it is grounded in strength, sharing roots with words meaning “rock.” This duality makes it a fascinating choice for parents who want a daughter who is gentle in spirit but solid in character.
Verdict: Selah is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It sits in the “Goldilocks zone” of popularity: recognizable and easy to spell, yet far from overused. It offers the vintage charm of Old Testament names without the heaviness, making it a perfect, soulful alternative to top-charting names like Sarah or Hannah.
Selah Overview
- Meaning: Selah means “rock” or boulder. Additional meanings include “pause to reflect on what was said” “praise” or “forever.”
- Gender: Selah is traditionally a female given name.
- Origin: Selah is of Hebrew and Arabic origin.
- Pronunciation: “SEE-lah” or “SAY-lah”
- Popularity: Selah is a popular name ranking at #386 on the baby girl names list.
- Nicknames: Ah, El, Ell, Ella, Sel, Sell, Sellie, Lala, Lah, Lah-Lah.
- Variations: Sayla, Saylah, Sealah, Seilah, Sela, Seelah, and Sellah.
- Namesakes: Selah Louise Marley, Selah Reeve Hobbie, Selah Sue.
What Does Selah Mean?
The name Selah is an etymological gem because it carries two distinct but harmonious meanings. Its primary definition comes from its function as a musical or liturgical instruction. In this context, Selah is widely interpreted to mean “to pause and reflect,” “to praise,” or “lift up.” It is an invitation to silence so that the message just spoken can sink into the heart.
However, there is a secondary, more tangible meaning. Selah is derived from the Hebrew root sālah, which connects to the word “sela” (סֶלַע), meaning “rock” or “boulder.” This connects the name to concepts of permanence, stability, and refuge.
When you combine these, the name suggests a “rock-solid praise” or a “permanent pause.” If you love Bible baby names, Selah offers a depth that few other names can match (1).
Where Does the Name Selah Come From?
Selah is of Hebrew origin and is distinctively Biblical. It is arguably one of the most mysterious words in scripture because it is not a name of a person in the text, but rather a punctuation mark of sorts.
Selah appears 74 times in the Bible. It appears 71 times in the Book of Psalms and three times in the Book of Habakkuk. It was likely a direction for the choir or orchestra in the Temple of Jerusalem, indicating where the music should swell or where the singers should pause for a dramatic interlude (2).
Historically, the variation “Sela” was also a place name, the capital of Edom, located in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea. It was a fortress city cut into the rock, emphasizing the definition of strength and protection.
How Popular is the Name Selah?
For most of the 20th century, Selah was virtually unheard of as a first name in the United States. It was considered a word, not a name. That changed dramatically at the turn of the millennium.
Selah broke into the top 1,000 names in 2005, debuting at #943 (3). This sudden interest was likely sparked by singer Lauryn Hill, who named her daughter Selah in 1999. Since then, the name has been on a steady upward trajectory.
Currently, Selah is a “rising star.” It has moved comfortably into the top 500, making it a familiar choice but not a ubiquitous one. It is not a trendy “flash in the pan” that will date your child to a specific decade; rather, it is behaving like a modern classic, slowly building a reputation as a sophisticated, spiritual choice for girls.
How Do I Pronounce Selah?
Because Selah is an ancient transliterated word, pronunciation can vary based on tradition.
- The Most Common American Pronunciation: “SEE-lah” (rhymes with Sheila).
- The Traditional/Alternative Pronunciation: “SAY-lah” (rhymes with Kayla).
It is worth noting that the “SEE-lah” pronunciation is significantly more dominant in the US. If you choose the “SAY-lah” pronunciation, you may need to correct people occasionally, but both are valid.
Is Selah a Boy or Girl Name?
Selah is overwhelmingly used as a girl’s name in modern times. Its soft vowel sounds and ending (similar to Hannah, Sarah, and Norah) lean feminine in the English language.
However, because the word itself is a noun and musical term, it technically has no gender. There is a small but growing trend of parents using it for boys, often looking for a softer Biblical alternative to names like Noah or Micah. In 2022, it ranked in the 7,000s for boys, meaning it is extremely rare, but not impossible, for a son.
Variations of Selah
If the spelling of Selah feels slightly off to you, or you want to honor the name’s heritage through a different lens, consider these variations:
- Sela: The simplified Hebrew spelling, more closely associated with the place name (city of rock).
- Seila: A variation sometimes found in Spanish-speaking communities.
- Sella: An Italian variation, though this can also mean “saddle,” so use with caution.
- Saleh: An Arabic variation meaning “virtuous,” usually masculine.
Nicknames for Selah
Selah is short and sweet, but parents love options for affection. Here are common and creative nicknames:
The Classics
- Sel: The most intuitive short form.
- Ellie: Pulling from the “El” sound in the middle.
- Ella: A natural extension of the name’s ending.
Creative & Rare
- CeCe: A playful stretch based on the soft “S” sound (See-See).
- LaLa: A whimsical nickname taken from the final syllable.
- Essie: A vintage nickname derived from the letter “S.”
Names Similar to Selah
If you love the vibe of Selah, spiritual, soft, and slightly vintage, but it is not quite “the one,” consider these alternatives:
- Shiloh: Like Selah, this is a Hebrew place name that exudes peace and tranquility.
- Eden: Another Biblical place name that feels modern and lush.
- Sarai: The original name of Sarah in the Bible; it feels more exotic and ancient, much like Selah.
- Dinah: An underused Old Testament name with a similar ending.
- Cadence: If you love the musical meaning of Selah, Cadence is a more literal musical choice.
- Keziah: A rare Biblical name with the same “cool factor” and distinct sound.
- Norah: Shares the soft “-ah” ending but feels slightly more traditional.
- Veda: Sanskrit for “knowledge,” sharing that spiritual, ancient wisdom vibe.
Middle Names for Selah
Selah is a light, airy name (two syllables, emphasis on the first). It pairs beautifully with single-syllable middle names for a punchy feel, or long, flowery names for elegance.
Vintage & Classic Pairings
Nature-Inspired & Boho Pairings
Modern & Edgy Pairings
Sibling Names for Selah
Selah requires sibling names that match its thoughtful, slightly artsy, and rooted aesthetic.
For a Brother
- Ezra: Matches Selah perfectly in popularity and Biblical coolness.
- Zion: Shares the spiritual, location-based meaning.
- Micah: A soft-sounding prophet name that pairs well with the gentle Selah.
- Jude: Short, strong, and musical (Hey Jude).
- Asher: Means “happy” or “blessed” in Hebrew.
- Levi: A trendy but timeless choice.
For a Sister
- Naomi: A gentle, underused Biblical classic.
- Hazel: Shares the vintage, earthy vibe.
- Noa: A popular Hebrew girl’s name that is short and sweet.
- Lydia: New Testament name with a lyrical sound.
- Esther: Strong and royal, like the “rock” meaning of Selah.
- Ilah: Rhymes with Selah but has a distinct beginning.
Famous People Named Selah
While not yet a household name, Selah has some significant cultural representation, largely driven by the children of celebrities.
- Selah Marley: The daughter of music icon Lauryn Hill and Rohan Marley (son of Bob Marley). She is a well-known fashion model and singer who arguably put this name on the map for the modern generation.
- Selah Sue: The stage name of Sanne Putseys, a successful Belgian musician and songwriter known for her soulful reggae and funk style.
- Selah Reeve Hobbie: A historical figure who was a member of the Twentieth Congress and District Attorney in New York in the 1800s.
Selah in Pop Culture
The name Selah appears frequently in art and literature, often symbolizing deep thought or spirituality.
- “Selah”: A prominent track on Kanye West’s 2019 gospel album, Jesus Is King. This song introduced the word to a massive new demographic.
- “Selah”: A song by R&B legend Lauryn Hill on the soundtrack for Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood.
- Selah: A character in the critically acclaimed novel The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill.
- City of Selah: A real city located in the Yakima Valley of Washington state, known as the “Apple Juice Capital of the World.”
FAQs About the Name Selah
Selah is a unique and not-as-often used baby name. However, you may still have some questions before you make your final choice on naming your baby. Here are the answers to your frequently asked questions about the name Selah.
What Does Selah Mean in Arabic?
Selah may mean “forever.” The Arabic word “salah” translates to mean “to hang” which is indicative of the name having a long-lasting attribute.
Does Selah Mean Amen?
In other translations of the Bible, Selah has been shown to mean “Amen” or “Hallelujah.” This connects with one of its name meanings of “praise” or a “pause for reflection” because these two terms show praise for God when worshiping Him.
Where Is Selah in the Bible?
Selah is located mainly at the end of Psalms such as Psalm 3, Psalm 24, and Psalm 46. The word is in the middle of Psalms 55 and 57. Besides various Psalms, you can find Selah in Habakkuk chapters 3, 9, and 13.
Is Selah Considered a Musical Name?
Yes, absolutely. Because the word was originally a direction for musicians in the Temple (instructing them when to play louder or pause), it is considered a musical name alongside choices like Melody, Aria, Cadence, and Harmony. It is a subtle way to honor a musical family heritage without being overt.
Can Selah Be Spelled Sela?
Yes, Sela is a valid spelling variation. Sela (specifically spelled with one final ‘h’) is actually the name of a specific location in the Old Testament, a city in Edom. Sela means “rock” or “cliff.” Omitting the ‘h’ gives the name a slightly more modern, streamlined look, though it may change the pronunciation for some readers to “Sell-a.”
Is the Name Selah Too Religious?
While Selah is undeniably Biblical, it has crossed over into “secular chic” territory. Much like the names Noah, Ethan, or Hannah, it is recognized as a beautiful name independent of its scripture origins. However, it is still more likely to be found in religious communities than names that have completely lost their religious association.
What Is the Spiritual Significance of Selah?
Spiritually, the name represents the importance of rest and meditation. In a fast-paced world, naming a child Selah can be seen as a prayer for them to live a life of thoughtful reflection, listening to God, and finding pauses of peace amidst the chaos. It also carries the strength of its “rock” etymology, symbolizing spiritual grounding.
Is Selah Related to the City of Petra?
Yes, historically speaking. The Biblical city of Sela (often associated with the name Selah) is widely believed by archaeologists to be the ancient city of Petra in modern-day Jordan. Both Sela (Hebrew) and Petra (Greek) mean “rock.” This adds a layer of historical grandeur and wonder to the name.
