Sela

Girl Name
Origin:hebrew
Pronunciation:/ˈseɪlə/

Sela: a female name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah". It derives from the Hebrew word "SELA‛".

In Hebrew tradition, Sela holds special significance as a feminine name representing This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Hebrew culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.

Quick Facts About Sela

Quick facts about Sela
OriginHebrew
GenderGirl name
PopularityModerately popular

Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team

Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.

Last reviewed: November 2025

Meaning

This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

SELA‛

Other Scripts

Hebrew (סֶלַע) Greek (πέτρα)

How to Pronounce Sela

Sela is pronounced /ˈseɪlə/(Hebrew)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Sel-a
  2. Say it like: "SEEEHLOOH"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Sela is predominantly used in english speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

english
Frequently Asked Questions About Sela
What does the name Sela mean?
Sela means "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin.". The name comes from SELA‛. In its original form, the name derives from sela‛ (סֶלַע). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Sela for girls often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Sela's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Sela?
Sela is a hebrew name. The name traces back to SELA‛. The original form sela‛ (סֶלַע) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Sela is written as Hebrew (סֶלַע) Greek (πέτρα). The name remains closely tied to english naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Sela a boy or girl name?
Sela is a girl's name. This traditionally feminine name has been chosen by parents for daughters across many cultures and time periods. In hebrew tradition, Sela has historically been given to girls. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin." carries well for a daughter, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Sela?
Sela is pronounced "/ˈseɪlə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (סֶלַע) Greek (πέτρα), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Sela is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Sela can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root SELA‛ influences how Sela sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Sela?
Sela is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Sela offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Sela's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among girls' names, Sela holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Sela commonly used?
Sela is used primarily in english naming traditions. Though hebrew in origin, Sela found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Sela into their naming traditions. A child named Sela will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Sela is given to girls, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Sela?
Sela carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “sela,” meaning “stronghold, stony, rock, stones, crag, cliffs, crags, rocks, mountain, rocky, as a stronghold of Jehovah.” Sela was the Edom capital, situated in the great valley extending from the Dead Sea to the Red Sea (2 Kings 14:7). It was near Mount Hor, close by the desert of Zin." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Sela originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Sela sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Sela often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In english communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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