Girl name · Spanish
Selva
“forest, jungle”
Vibes
Explore Selva further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Selva — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Selva is Spanish and Italian for forest or jungle, from Latin silva. In Spanish it is the ordinary word for rainforest, la selva, and it is the same root as Sylvia, Sylvie and Silvana by a different route.
As a given name it is used in Spanish-speaking countries and rarely elsewhere. Two syllables, SEL-vah, with nothing in it that trips an English speaker.
Two syllables take one or three (Selva Claire, Selva Eleanor). On our vibe map it is Nature-Inspired with Boho warmth.
More Spanish names
Selva sits in our Spanish set — these share its roots.
All Spanish names →Selva — common questions
Is Selva a boy or girl name?
Selva is traditionally a girl name of Spanish origin.
What does the name Selva mean?
Selva means “forest, jungle” of Spanish origin. Selva is Spanish and Italian for forest or jungle, from Latin silva. In Spanish it is the ordinary word for rainforest, la selva, and it is the same root as Sylvia, Sylvie and Silvana by a different route.
Where does the name Selva come from?
Selva is Spanish in origin. As a given name it is used in Spanish-speaking countries and rarely elsewhere. Two syllables, SEL-vah, with nothing in it that trips an English speaker.
How popular is Selva?
Selva did not make the top 1,000 girls' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Selva you might want for the nursery.