Sela

♀ Girl

Pronounced SEE-lah /ˈsi.lɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Hebrew sela, 'rock, cliff' — a biblical place; also linked to Selah, a musical pauseMedium

In 30 seconds: Steady as a rock: Sela is Hebrew for 'rock, cliff' — a biblical stronghold — and echoes Selah, the Psalms' gentle pause. Strong yet serene.

💕 Browse more names

Origin MediumHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew sela, 'rock, cliff' — a biblical place; also linked to Selah, a musical pause

U.S. rank (2025)#4738 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births29 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,328

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Sela comes from Hebrew sela, 'rock, cliff' — a fortified biblical city (often identified with Petra) — and overlaps Selah, a musical-pause word in the Psalms (routes layered, which we note). Actress Sela Ward bears it.

It registers thinly in records. Rare, rock at the root, and serene.

Did you know? Sela ('rock') was a biblical fortress city, likely ancient Petra — and the name also echoes Selah, the meditative musical pause of the Psalms.

Overall data confidence 72%

Behind the Name — Sela — routes layered

Variations

SelahSellaSayla

Nicknames

—

Famous Bearers

★Sela Ward (1956-)
American actress known for TV drama Once and Again and film The Day After Tomorrow

If you like Sela…

Selah— the pause-word it echoes

Stella— a companion strong-soft name

Sayla— another Sel-/Sayl- pick

Dayla— shares Sela's Hebrew roots

Daila— shares the -la ending

Explore names like Sela

By themeuncertain hebrew biblical nature

By meaningRock / Stone

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Sela mean?

Sela is Hebrew for 'rock, cliff' (a biblical city) and echoes Selah, a musical pause; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Sela?

It's said SEE-lah /ˈsi.lɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Sela a boy or girl name?

Sela is a girl's name.

How popular is Sela?

Sela is a rare name in the U.S.