The name Selah has its roots in the Hebrew language, originating from biblical times. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word "selah," which appears frequently in the Psalms of the Old Testament. The word has multiple interpretations, including "pause" or "interlude," suggesting a moment of reflection or emphasis.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Selah can be found in the Book of Psalms, where it appears as a word or notation within the text. However, there is no definitive evidence of its use as a personal name during ancient times. The name's popularity as a given name seems to have emerged more recently, possibly influenced by its scriptural significance.

Throughout history, the name Selah has been borne by a few notable individuals. One of the earliest known was Selah Bartlett (1817-1855), an American educator and author from Massachusetts who wrote several textbooks on mathematics and arithmetic. Another notable figure was Selah Merrill (1837-1909), an American archaeologist and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.

In the 20th century, Selah Vick (1919-2020) was an American lawyer and civil rights activist who played a crucial role in the desegregation of public schools in Florida. Additionally, Selah Sue (born 1989) is a Belgian singer-songwriter known for her unique blend of soul, folk, and pop music, achieving commercial success with her album "Selah Sue" in 2011.

Another individual named Selah was Selah Lindh (1828-1921), a Swedish-American painter and illustrator who was active in the late 19th century. Her works often depicted scenes of everyday life and were displayed in various exhibitions across Sweden and the United States.

While not a comprehensive list, these individuals demonstrate the historical usage of the name Selah across different cultures and time periods, although its popularity as a given name appears to be relatively modern.