Selva

♀ Girl

Pronounced SEL-vuh /ˈsɛl.və/Medium

Meaning: Selva is the Spanish word for 'forest' or 'jungle,' descended directly from the Latin silva, 'wood.' As a given name it works as a nature word-name in Spanish-speaking families, evoking green, wild growth; the same form also appears independently as a Turkish name.Medium

In 30 seconds: Selva is Spanish for 'forest, jungle,' from Latin silva. A gentle nature word-name, it has always been rare in the United States (said SEL-vuh).

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Origin MediumSpanish, Latin

MeaningSelva is the Spanish word for 'forest' or 'jungle,' descended directly from the Latin silva, 'wood.' As a given name it works as a nature word-name in Spanish-speaking families, evoking green, wild growth; the same form also appears independently as a Turkish name.

U.S. rank (1949)#5158 ↘ Falling

1949 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1937

Total births (all-time)≈ 54

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

Selva is a Spanish nature word rather than a coinage, meaning 'forest' or 'jungle' and rooted in the Latin silva, 'wood.' Used as a girl's name in Spanish-speaking families, it is a cousin in sense to Sylvia, and the same spelling also serves as a name in Turkish, which we note.

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year even at its small peak in the late nineteen-thirties, mostly in immigrant families. A girl named Selva then would be very elderly today.

Did you know? Selva is a true word-name: in Spanish it simply means 'jungle' or 'forest,' and it comes straight from the Latin silva, the same root that gives English words like sylvan and the name Sylvia.

Overall data confidence 60%

References - Selva — Spanish 'forest/jungle' from Latin silva; nature word-name; Turkish use noted; moderate-high confidence.

Variations

SilvaSelviSilviaSelba

Nicknames

SelSelvi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Selva…

Silvia— the Latin-rooted 'forest' cousin

Selena— a like Spanish nature-toned girl's name

Flora— another nature word-name

Alba— a comparable short Spanish girl's name

Explore names like Selva

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Selva mean?

It is Spanish for 'forest' or 'jungle,' from the Latin silva, 'wood'; a nature word-name.

How do you pronounce Selva?

It is said SEL-vuh /ˈsɛl.və/ - two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Selva a boy or girl name?

Selva is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Selva?

It has always been rare in the United States, given to only about fifteen girls a year even at its peak in the late nineteen-thirties.