Selassie is a name of Ethiopian origin, meaning "of the Trinity" or "of the Holy Trinity." It is derived from the Ge'ez language, which was once widely spoken in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
The name Selassie has a rich history that dates back to the Ethiopian Empire. It was traditionally given to children born on the holiday known as Timkat, which celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ. In some cases, it was also bestowed upon children who were believed to have been born under divine circumstances or with special gifts.
One of the most famous figures in Ethiopian history associated with this name is Emperor Haile Selassie I (1892-1975). Born as Tafari Makonnen, he took the throne in 1930 and ruled Ethiopia until his overthrow in a military coup d'état in 1974. Haile Selassie was known for his modernizing reforms, including establishing new schools and hospitals, promoting women's rights, and improving Ethiopia's infrastructure. He is also remembered for his strong opposition to Italian colonialism during World War II, refusing to surrender to Benito Mussolini despite facing significant military pressure.
The name Selassie has gained popularity beyond Ethiopia in recent years due largely to its association with the popular singer-songwriter Akon, whose full name is Aliaune Damala Akon Thiam. Born in Senegal but raised mainly in the United States, Akon adopted his stage name from his childhood nickname and released several hit songs during the mid-2000s featuring references to Ethiopian culture and history.
Today, Selassie continues to be a popular name among people of Ethiopian descent living around the world, as well as those drawn to its unique sound and historical significance. While it may not always be readily recognizable outside of these communities, it remains an important cultural artifact that serves as a reminder of Ethiopia's rich past and enduring heritage.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Selassie has had a varied popularity over the past two decades in the United States. The earliest record shows that there were 6 babies named Selassie born in the year 2000. After that, the number of births fluctuated slightly, with some years seeing an increase and others a decrease.
In 2002, the number of newborns named Selassie increased to 7, but then it dropped back down to 5 in both 2004 and 2007. This trend continued until 2014, when the number of births rose again to 6. Since then, the popularity of the name has shown a consistent upward trend, with 7 births recorded in 2016 and another increase to 8 births in 2021.
Overall, from 2000 to 2022, there have been a total of 91 babies named Selassie born in the United States. This shows that while the name may not be one of the most common, it has maintained a steady presence over time and has seen some growth in popularity in recent years.