Selestina is a unique and distinctive name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "caelestis," which means "of heaven" or "heavenly." The name has been associated with celestial beings, such as angels and goddesses, in various mythologies and cultures throughout history.
The name Selestina has a rich history that spans centuries. In Roman mythology, it was often used to refer to the goddess Caelestis, who was worshipped by the Carthaginians and later adopted into the Roman pantheon. Caelestis was believed to be the equivalent of the Phoenician goddess Tanit, who was associated with fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth.
In early Christian tradition, Selestina was also used as a name for female saints and martyrs. One notable example is Saint Celsetina, a 4th-century virgin martyr from Carthage who was venerated in the Catholic Church.
The name Selestina has been popular throughout Europe over the centuries, with variations such as Celestine, Celeste, and Caelesta appearing in different languages and cultures. It has also been used in literature, most notably in French writer Honoré de Balzac's novel "Père Goriot," where it is the name of one of the main characters.
Today, Selestina remains a rare and distinctive name that carries with it a sense of history, mystique, and otherworldly beauty. It is a name that stands out from the crowd while also being deeply rooted in tradition and cultural heritage.
The name Selestina is not particularly popular or common in the United States, with only a total of 16 babies born with this name since 1926. The name was given to five girls in 1926 and another five in 1930, suggesting that it might have been more widely used during these years compared to others. However, there was a noticeable gap in its usage between 1930 and 1998, with no recorded births of the name Selestina during this period. The name reemerged in 1998 with six births that year. Despite its limited popularity, the name Selestina has a unique quality and may appeal to parents looking for an uncommon yet distinct name for their child.