Selene

The name Selene has its origins in Greek mythology, deriving from the ancient Greek word 'selene' meaning 'moon'. It was the name of the Greek moon goddess, daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, and sister of the sun god Helios. The name was commonly used in ancient Greek society, with records of its use dating back to the 5th century BCE.

In ancient texts, Selene was often depicted as a beautiful woman riding a chariot pulled by two white horses or oxen. She was associated with the cycles of the moon and was believed to influence things such as fertility, menstrual cycles, and the tides. The name Selene has been found inscribed on ancient Greek pottery, coins, and other artifacts from the period.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Selene was a Greek princess from the island of Corfu, who lived in the 3rd century BCE. Another notable Selene was a Seleucid queen who ruled in the 2nd century BCE and was known for her strategic alliances and political influence.

In the Middle Ages, the name Selene was less common, but it did appear in some medieval literature and records. A notable example is Selene of Caria, a 14th-century Byzantine noblewoman and author who wrote on religious topics.

During the Renaissance period, the name Selene experienced a resurgence in popularity due to the renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. One famous bearer of the name was Selene Gallio (1508-1567), an Italian poet and writer who was part of the literary circle of the Venetian court.

In more recent history, there have been several notable individuals named Selene, including Selene Viéville (1891-1975), a French pianist and composer, and Selene Vigil-Wilk (born 1979), an American politician and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.