Girl name
Selva name meaning
“quail; food in the scriptural narrative”
Selva means “quail” and refers to food mentioned in the scriptural narrative. In traditional Turkish usage, it comes from Arabic salwā. In Türkiye, it is a feminine given name. The small ground-dwelling bird provides its natural imagery, while the Quranic account associates the word with food supplied alongside manna.
What does Selva mean?
Quail; food in the scriptural narrative
In Turkish: bıldırcın; kutsal anlatıdaki yiyecek
Selva is connected with scriptural accounts of food provided to the Israelites. Its Arabic source word occurs in the Quran alongside manna and is traditionally understood as quail. The same spelling has different meanings in other languages, so this origin should not automatically be assigned to every international use.
Origin of the name Selva
In its traditional Turkish use, from Arabic salwa, 'quail'. This is distinct from the identically spelled word meaning 'forest' in some European languages.
| Linguistic origin | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Naming tradition | Islamic |
| In Islamic history | Names found in the Quran |
| Is Selva in the Quran? | As a word · السلوى · 2:57, 7:160, 20:80The source word salwā occurs in the Quran as the quail mentioned alongside manna. |
| Starts with | S · Se |
Names are shared across communities. Where a name is common says nothing certain about any one person’s background, faith or origin.
Double names with Selva
Double-name ideas built from names in our dictionary, with the meaning of each name.
-
Selva Betül
Meaning of each name
- Selva: quail; food in the scriptural narrative
- Betül: virgin; devoted to worship
-
Şura Selva
Meaning of each name
- Şura: consultation; a deliberative council
- Selva: quail; food in the scriptural narrative
-
Selva Meleknur
Meaning of each name
- Selva: quail; food in the scriptural narrative
- Meleknur: angelic light; angel and radiance
-
Rüveyda Selva
Meaning of each name
- Rüveyda: gently, without haste; a little respite
- Selva: quail; food in the scriptural narrative
-
Selva Hümeyra
Meaning of each name
- Selva: quail; food in the scriptural narrative
- Hümeyra: rosy, lightly reddish in complexion
-
Nehir Selva
Meaning of each name
- Nehir: river, large flowing stream
- Selva: quail; food in the scriptural narrative
How to pronounce Selva
| Syllables | 2 · 5 letters · 5-letter girl names |
|---|---|
| IPA | /selva/ |
| Ottoman Turkish | سلوى |
Is Selva a girl’s name?
Yes, Selva is used mostly as a girl’s name. See all girl names.
Selva does not appear in TÜİK’s top-30 lists (Türkiye and provinces, up to 2025). In our sample of notable people (Wikidata), 6 people bear it; this is not a national figure.
Spellings and similar names
Names that sound like Selva
- Selma♀Safe, unharmed, in well-being
- Selda♀Bare, hard rock
- Selvi♀Cypress
- Salva♂♀Consolation and comfort
- Selvan♀Consolation, relief from sorrow
- Sena♀Praise
- Serra♀Prosperity and well-being
- Selin♀Rushing water, a powerful flow
- Sıla♀A longed-for home
- Selen♀Sound, news
- Sema♀Sky, heavens
- Sevda♀Deep love, passionate attachment
Names with related meanings
- Belinay♀Hawk and moon
- Hüma♀Mythical bird bringing fortune and happiness
- Helin♀A bird's nest
- Hümanur♀Name evoking the huma bird and light
- Kumru♀A dove with a soft cooing call
- Suna♀A duck known for its patterned plumage
- Turna♀A long-necked migratory bird
- Çakır♂♀Light, flecked eye colour
- Sumru♂♀Tern
- Dudu♀Parrot
- Kanat♂♀Wing
- Bennu♀Name of the sacred bird in Egyptian mythology
Famous people named Selva
- Selva Erdener · b. 1966
- Selva Küçükoğlu · b. 1996
- Selva Demiralp
- Selva Dilan Gölbaşı
- Selva Ülbe
FAQ about the name Selva
What is the meaning of Selva?
Selva means “quail; food in the scriptural narrative”. In its traditional Turkish use, from Arabic salwa, 'quail'. This is distinct from the identically spelled word meaning 'forest' in some European languages.
Is Selva a girl’s name?
Yes, Selva is used mostly as a girl’s name.
Is Selva in the Quran?
As a word. The source word salwā occurs in the Quran as the quail mentioned alongside manna. (e.g.: 2:57, 7:160, 20:80)
What is the origin of the name Selva?
Selva is of Arabic origin.
How many syllables does Selva have?
Selva has 2 syllables and 5 letters.
How popular is the name Selva?
Selva does not appear in TÜİK’s top-30 lists (Türkiye and provinces, up to 2025). In our sample of notable people (Wikidata), 6 people bear it; this is not a national figure.
What names go well with Selva?
Some ideas: Selva Betül; Şura Selva; Selva Meleknur.
Famous people named Selva?
Notable people named Selva include Selva Erdener, Selva Küçükoğlu, Selva Demiralp.
Sources and method
Meanings and origins draw on language sources and name dictionaries; popularity figures come from TÜİK’s address-based population register, and notable people from Wikidata.
Entry ID: nm01962 · Updated 2026-10-24 · How we research names · Report a mistake