Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 seh-LAH /ˈsɛlə/
"Toward God in Hebrew music and poetry"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
Lifted up or exalted to God, often used as a musical term in the Psalms and other Hebrew texts
Selah is a musical notation in the Psalms that indicates a pause or a moment of reflection. It is derived from the Hebrew word, which means 'to cease', 'to pause', or 'to meditate'. In the New Testame…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: Change, adaptability, versatility, resourcefulness, and the ability to learn quickly
Life Path 9 — Compassion & Idealism: Humanitarian, selfless, and globally-minded.
Cultural Impact
The term "Selah" originates from the Hebrew music, specifically from the book of Psalms. It's used as a musical interjection or term, indicating a pause or a reflective moment between parts of a musical composition. This usage suggests a meditative or contemplative meaning, inviting listeners to pause and ponder the lyrics and message of the psalm.
Spiritual Significance
The name "Selah" carries a deep spiritual significance, rooted in its original usage in the Psalms. It invites us to lift up our hearts and minds to God and to take a reflective moment to meditate on His presence and the truths of His word. It reminds us that even in the midst of prayer and praise, we can pause and fully acknowledge God's greatness and divine nature. The name Selah calls us to a deeper connection with God, encouraging us to slow down and fully engage with the spiritual journey.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Selah" emerges in Hebrew tradition, carrying the core meaning "Toward God in Hebrew music and poetry".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~13,941 people named Selah in the US. Peaked in 2024 with 1,143 recorded uses.
Selah, a term of Hebrew origin meaning 'lift up' or 'exalt', was used as a musical term in the Psalms to indicate a pause or interlude in singing or playing an instrument. It is often translated as 'pause and think'. Selah was used frequently in the Psalms written by King David and the other Hebrew prophets during the time of the Israelite monarchy (1000-586 BC).
The name Selah was later adopted by the early Christian Church as a feminine name, possibly due to a confusion with the Hebrew name Elah meaning 'God'. Selah is mentioned in the 'Martyrologium Hieronymianum', an early Latin martyrology, as the name of a virgin and martyr who was martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian (284-305 AD).
Modern Usage
Selah is a Hebrew word meaning 'pause and reflect.' It's seen on social media as a hashtag (#Selah) encouraging mindfulness and spiritual reflection. Musicians have used it as a title for albums and songs, inviting listeners to pause and reflect during the listening experience. It's also used as a maternity name, signifying a time of reflection and contemplation before the arrival of a child.
Selah means "Toward God in Hebrew music and poetry" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Selah is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Selah has Hebrew origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Selah is 9, associated with Compassion & Idealism. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 3.
Selah is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 1% male and 99% female.
Approximately 13,941 people in the United States are named Selah. The name peaked in 2024 with 1,143 recorded uses.
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