Sela

♀ Girl

Sela Pronunciation

Sela is 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.

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Origin MediumHebrew

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

U.S. rank (2024)#4173 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births35 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,299

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

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

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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

→ See all names like Sela

Browse the whole category: All Hebrew names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Sela?

Sela is pronounced SEE-lah (/ˈsi.lɑ/). Press play above to hear Sela said aloud.

How do you say Sela?

Sela is said SEE-lah (/ˈsi.lɑ/). Press play above to hear Sela said aloud.

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.

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.