All about the name
Selwyn
Male
« Selwyn is an English given name derived from Old English words "seolh" meaning "sun" and "wine" meaning "friend", translating to "friend to the sun". First recorded as a surname in 12th century England, it gained popularity as a given name in the late 19th century, possibly influenced by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character Dr. Watson's friend Selwyn in his Sherlock Holmes stories. »
#17171
over 5 years
Meaning, origin, history
Selwyn is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "seolh" meaning "sun" and "wine" which means "friend". Thus, Selwyn translates to "friend to the sun".
The name Selwyn was first recorded in England during the 12th century as a surname, but it wasn't until the late 19th century that it began to be used as a given name. It is believed that the name was popularized by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character, Dr. John Watson's friend and colleague, who shared the same name in his Sherlock Holmes stories.
Throughout history, Selwyn has been associated with notable individuals, such as the English poet and novelist, Rudyard Kipling, whose maternal grandfather was named Selwyn; and the American politician and diplomat, Richard Selwyn, who served as the United States Ambassador to Norway from 1962 to 1965.
Today, Selwyn remains a rare but captivating name, often chosen by parents looking for something unique and meaningful for their child. It is a name that carries a sense of warmth and friendliness, while also conveying a deep appreciation for nature and beauty.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Selwyn since 1880
Total births
1,393
Total since 1880
Peak year
1961
38 births
in 2018
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-76%
↘
vs previous 5 years