Seth

♂ Boy

Pronounced SETH /sɛθ/High

Meaning: From Hebrew Sheth meaning 'appointed' or 'placed,' referring to the third son of Adam and Eve in Genesis who was appointed to replace AbelHigh

In 30 seconds: Seth is a sharp, one-syllable biblical name with an ancient pedigree. The third son of Adam in Genesis, it carries quiet strength and is enjoying a modern revival.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew Sheth meaning 'appointed' or 'placed,' referring to the third son of Adam and Eve in Genesis who was appointed to replace Abel

U.S. rank (2025)#581 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births505 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2000

Total births (all-time)≈ 165,778

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Seth comes from the Hebrew name Sheth, meaning 'appointed' or 'placed.' In the Book of Genesis, Seth is the third son of Adam and Eve, born after Cain slew Abel, with Eve declaring that God had 'appointed' her another son. Through Seth's lineage, Noah and ultimately Abraham were descended, making Seth the ancestor of the biblical patriarchs.

Seth was used by Puritans in colonial America who favored Old Testament names. It remained in moderate use through the 19th and 20th centuries and experienced a notable revival in the late 20th century. Today it reads as a sleek, no-nonsense biblical classic, popular with parents who want something short and strong.

Did you know? In ancient Egyptian religion, Set (or Seth) was the god of storms, chaos, and the desert — a figure of tremendous power — giving this biblical name an unexpected mythological double identity across two ancient civilizations.

Overall data confidence 95%

Behind the Name — Seth — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ShethSet

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Seth MacFarlane (1973–present)
American animator, writer, and producer, creator of Family Guy.
★Seth Rogen (1982–present)
Canadian-American actor, comedian, and filmmaker.

If you like Seth…

Abel— Old Testament sibling name to Seth, same crisp biblical feel

Noah— short, strong Old Testament name with the same timeless simplicity

Levi— two-syllable Hebrew biblical name with the same revival-era popularity

Jude— one-syllable biblical name with the same crisp, modern-yet-ancient character

Frequently Asked

What does the name Seth mean?

Seth comes from Hebrew meaning 'appointed' or 'placed,' referencing the third son of Adam and Eve in Genesis.

How do you pronounce Seth?

It is said SETH — one syllable.

Is Seth a boy or girl name?

Seth is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Seth?

Seth has ranked consistently in the U.S. top 300 boys' names in recent decades, appealing to parents who favor short biblical names.