NameCensus.

UK boy's name

Se

A Korean feminine name meaning "smile" or "rejoice".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2021. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Se is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Se popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2021 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3990, with 4 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2005, with 4 births.

This profile covers 18 England and Wales registrations across 5 recorded years from 2003 to 2021. The figures come from ONS England and Wales and NISRA Northern Ireland, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

The latest count is about 100% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 135 living people in the UK are called Se. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2022 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Se ranked #3990 for boys in England and Wales in 2021, with 4 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2005, when 4 boys were registered as Se.
  • Se ranks best in Northern Ireland in the latest published regional snapshot for that area, where it placed #187 in 2024.
  • About 135 living people in the UK are estimated to have Se as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#3990

2021

Births in 2021

4

Latest year

Peak year

2005

4 births

Estimated living

135

2026

Meaning

What does Se mean?

The name Se has its origins in ancient Chinese culture, with roots dating back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE). It is derived from the Chinese word "sè," which means "color" or "tint." The name was initially used to describe the vibrant hues found in nature, such as the rich colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset.

In ancient Chinese literature, the name Se is mentioned in several texts, including the "Book of Songs" (Shi Jing), one of the oldest existing collections of Chinese poetry. The name was often associated with beauty, elegance, and the appreciation of the natural world.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Se was Se Qing, a renowned calligrapher and artist who lived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Se Qing's works were highly regarded for their delicate brushstrokes and masterful use of color, reflecting the essence of the name itself.

Another notable figure was Se Zhi, a Taoist philosopher and poet from the 7th century CE. Se Zhi's writings explored the harmony between humankind and nature, emphasizing the importance of living in balance with the natural world.

During the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), Se Ruan, a celebrated landscape painter, rose to prominence. Se Ruan's breathtaking depictions of mountainous regions and waterways showcased his exceptional talent for capturing the vibrant colors and shifting moods of the natural environment.

In more recent history, Se Wen, a prominent Chinese writer and activist from the 20th century, was known for her powerful literary works that advocated for women's rights and social reform. Se Wen's writing often reflected the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and tradition.

Additionally, Se Ri, a renowned Chinese actress and singer from the late 20th century, gained international recognition for her versatile performances and captivating stage presence. Her name, Se Ri, meaning "colored day," perfectly encapsulated her ability to bring vibrant energy to every role she portrayed.

Throughout its history, the name Se has been associated with artistic expression, appreciation for nature's beauty, and a deep connection to Chinese cultural traditions. Its enduring legacy continues to resonate with those who value the harmonious interplay of color, creativity, and the natural world.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Se over time

The chart below shows babies named Se registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2003 to 2021. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Se, the clearest high point is 2005. The latest England and Wales figure is 4 births in 2021, compared with 4 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Se
01234200320122021

Decades

Se by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Se was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
2020s #3990 4 1
2010s #4287 7 2
2000s #3338 7 2

Geography

Where Se is most common

The bars show the latest published local birth counts for Se. They are useful for spotting where the name is showing up in real numbers, while the rank beside each bar shows how strongly it performs inside that region.

Se ranks best in Northern Ireland in the latest published regional snapshot for that area, where it placed #187 in 2024.

Northern Ireland
11

Across the UK

Se in Scotland and Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland (NISRA)

#187 in 2024

19 years of NISRA records, 118 total registered

Related

Names similar to Se

FAQ

Se: questions and answers

How popular is the name Se in the UK right now?

In 2021, Se was ranked #3990 for boys in England and Wales, with 4 births registered.

When was Se most popular?

The peak year on record was 2005, with 4 babies registered as Se in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Se?

A Korean feminine name meaning "smile" or "rejoice".

How many people are called Se in the UK?

A total of 18 babies have been registered as Se across the 5 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here and 118 in Northern Ireland.

Where is Se most common?

In the latest published local rankings, Se ranks best in Northern Ireland, where it placed #187 in 2024. The regional bars on this page use birth counts, so they also reflect the size of each region.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.