Selcen is a feminine Turkish name, closely related to Selcan and considered a variant spelling. The name traces its roots to Turkic mythology and folklore, most notably through the 14th-century epic the Book of Dede Korkut, where Selcan appears as a princess of Trebizond who marries the hero Kan Turali. The name's meaning is not certain, but it is often interpreted as a compound of Turkic or borrowed elements: sel meaning "flood, stream, or torrent" and can, derived from Persian jān, meaning "soul" or "life". This poetic combination evokes the image of a strong, lively spirit or a forceful, life-giving force of nature. Selcen is also the name of a neighbourhood in Denizli Province, Turkey, formerly a town (belde). However, as a personal name, it remains distinctive and relatively rare, popular primarily in Turkey. Related VariantsThe name has two direct variants: Saljan (used in English translations of Dede Korkut) and Selcan (the more common spelling). Sources The name's legendary origin is documented in the Book of Dede Korkut epic, where Selcan (Selcen) is a central character.Modern usage as both a personal name and a geographic location in Denizli Province highlights its enduring cultural footprint. Meaning: Thought to combine elements meaning "flood" (sel) and "soul" (ca:n)Origin: Turkish, with Persian and Arabic influencesType: Given name, feminineUsage: Primarily Turkish; also appears in English sources via epic literature