Semele Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Semele
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name SEMELE. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Semele
Gender
Female
Origin
Greek
Lucky Number
5
Meaning of the Name
In Greek mythology, Semele was a mortal princess of Thebes, mother of Dionysus by Zeus. Her name may relate to the earth or ancient Thracian-Phrygian roots, though its exact meaning is uncertain.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mercury
Positive Nature
Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.
Negative Traits
Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.
Lucky Colours
Green, white.
Lucky Days
Wednesday.
Lucky Stones
Emerald.
Harmony Numbers
1, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.
What People Like About You
Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.
Famous People Named Semele
Semele (Mythological)
Mythological Figure
Mortal princess who became mother of Dionysus with Zeus, central figure in Dionysian mythology
Semele (Opera Character)
Opera Character
Title character in Handel's 1744 opera 'Semele', representing mortal desire and divine consequences
Semele (Literary Character)
Literary Figure
Appears in works by Ovid, Euripides, and modern reinterpretations exploring themes of mortality and divinity
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The Semele myth has influenced Western art, literature, and psychology for centuries. In Renaissance art, she became a popular subject representing the sublime terror of divine revelation. In modern psychology, particularly Jungian analysis, her story serves as an archetype of the psyche destroyed by confronting ultimate reality. Her narrative continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about the limits of human understanding and the price of transcendent experience, making her name carry centuries of cultural weight and philosophical depth.
Extended Personality Analysis
Individuals named Semele are often perceived as passionate, intense, and spiritually inclined, reflecting the mythological character's transformative journey. They typically exhibit strong intuition, emotional depth, and a tendency toward dramatic self-expression, mirroring Semele's fateful encounter with divine truth. These personalities often demonstrate remarkable resilience—able to transform personal tragedies into sources of strength, much like how Semele's destruction led to her eventual apotheosis. Their charismatic nature draws others to them, though they may struggle with boundaries between reality and aspiration.
Modern bearers of this name often display artistic sensibilities, philosophical depth, and a quest for authentic experience that transcends conventional limitations. They tend to be visionaries who challenge norms while maintaining a grounded connection to earthly pleasures and human relationships. The name suggests someone who experiences life with extraordinary intensity, capable of both great vulnerability and remarkable strength. Their journey often involves learning to balance their idealistic nature with practical reality, much like the mythological Semele's transition from mortal limitations to divine understanding.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary times, Semele remains a rare but meaningful choice, primarily selected by parents with interest in classical mythology, literature, or unique names with deep cultural roots. The name has seen occasional usage in artistic and academic circles, particularly among families of Greek heritage or those seeking names with strong mythological connections. While not appearing on popular baby name charts in most countries, Semele has maintained a consistent presence as an unconventional choice that conveys sophistication and historical depth. Recent years have shown slight increases in usage, possibly influenced by growing interest in mythological names and strong female figures from antiquity. The name appeals particularly to parents seeking names that are both distinctive and rich with narrative potential, offering a connection to ancient wisdom while remaining fresh and uncommon in modern contexts.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Semele symbolizes the transformative power of truth and the paradoxical relationship between destruction and creation. Her story represents the human yearning for divine experience and the catastrophic consequences of obtaining it unprepared. Metaphorically, she embodies the concept of 'death by enlightenment'—the idea that ultimate truth can be overwhelming to mortal comprehension. The lightning that destroys her also represents sudden illumination and the violent birth of new consciousness. As the earth goddess figure, she connects to fertility, growth, and the cyclical nature of life-death-rebirth. Her eventual resurrection as Thyone (the 'inspired one') completes her symbolic journey from mortal limitation to divine freedom, making her name represent ultimate transformation through suffering and the eternal bond between mother and child, while also serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking knowledge beyond one's capacity to contain it.