The name Selah is of Hebrew origin and means "pause" or "lift up". It is derived from the Hebrew word "selah", which appears frequently in the Psalms of David in the Old Testament, indicating a musical interlude or pause for reflection. The use of selah in the Bible suggests that it was meant to be a signal for the musicians to take a breath and allow the congregation to ponder on what had been sung or spoken.
The name Selah is often associated with music and creativity due to its biblical roots. It has gained popularity as a given name in recent years, particularly among parents who are drawn to its unique sound and meaning. While it is still relatively rare, it is increasingly being chosen as an alternative to more traditional names.
In terms of history, the use of Selah as a name appears to be quite modern. It does not have any notable figures or historical events associated with it. However, its biblical roots give it a rich and meaningful history that spans centuries.
Overall, the name Selah is a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for an unusual yet significant name for their child. Its Hebrew origin and musical connotations make it stand out from more common names while still being deeply rooted in history and tradition.
The name Selah has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In 1962, there were only 6 recorded births with the name Selah. However, by 2023, that number had risen to an impressive 1010 births.
The trend of Selah's popularity can be seen as a steady incline over time. Starting from just 5 births in 1967, it reached double digits for the first time in 1982 with 17 births. The years between 1983 and 1990 saw a relatively stable number of Selah births, ranging from 7 to 16 per year.
The late 1990s marked a turning point for the name Selah. In 1995, there were 40 births, followed by another 40 in 1996 and 33 in 1997. This was likely due to increased public exposure of the name, as it started to become more trendy among parents.
The new millennium brought an even greater surge in popularity for Selah. Between 1999 and 2004, the number of annual births with the name jumped from triple digits (100 births in 1999) to quadruple digits (263 births in 2005). This period saw a consistent increase each year.
From 2005 onwards, Selah's popularity continued its upward trajectory. By 2010, there were 460 births, and this number has remained above the 500 mark ever since. In fact, in recent years (2018-2023), Selah has been one of the top names for newborn girls in the United States.
As of 2023, a total of 12600 births with the name Selah have been recorded in the United States. This meteoric rise in popularity can be attributed to various factors such as celebrity influence, cultural shifts, and personal preferences among parents. However, regardless of its origin or meaning, one thing is clear: the name Selah has made quite an impact on the American naming landscape over the past few decades.