"appointed, placed by God"
Origin: Hebrew Shet (שֵׁת)
Language: English
Seth
Pronunciation: [ s-EHTH ]
Does Seth flow with your last name?
One syllable, biblical depth — 'appointed by God'
English
American
Biblical
Egyptian
Classic
Strong
Minimalist
Vintage
Bold
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Meaning & Origin
"substitute, replacement"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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Things to Know About This Name
- Seth is also the name of the Egyptian god of chaos and storms — context-dependent, some parents may find this a concern in religious communities
The Story of Seth
Seth is a Hebrew name (שֵׁת, Shet) meaning 'appointed,' 'placed,' or 'set.' In the Book of Genesis, Seth is the third son of Adam and Eve, born after the death of Abel, his name given because 'God has appointed for me another offspring in place of Abel.' Seth is therefore a name of divine appointment and hopeful renewal. In ancient Egyptian religion, Set (or Seth) was the god of storms, chaos, and the desert — an entirely separate cultural tradition.
Seth peaked in the US in the 1980s–1990s (reaching as high as #91 in 1990) and has declined slowly since, now ranking around #300. Its short, punchy sound makes it timeless. Comedian Seth MacFarlane, TV host Seth Meyers, and actor Seth Rogen have kept the name in the cultural spotlight.
Seth carries quiet Old Testament gravitas — it's the name of Adam's son who 'replaced' Abel and from whom, according to Genesis, all of humanity descends. In Egyptian mythology, Set/Seth was one of the most powerful gods, associated with storms and chaos, giving the name a dual heritage of Biblical hope and Egyptian power.
Historical Record
Seth first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 161,674 babies have been named Seth in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Seth is past its peak , currently ranked #559 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- According to Genesis, all of humanity today descends from Seth's line, not Cain's
- In Egyptian mythology, Set was the god of storms who fought and killed his brother Osiris
- Seth MacFarlane, Seth Meyers, and Seth Rogen are all prominent bearers keeping the name visible
Seth in Other Languages
Greek
Σήθ
Latin
Seth
Arabic
شيث
French
Seth
Hebrew
שֵׁת
Spanish
Set
Popularity Over Time
#559
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2000
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Seth
S
Seth Rogen
Actor
1982
Canadian-American actor, comedian, and filmmaker known for Knocked Up, Superbad, and The Interview
S
Seth Meyers
Entertainer
1973
American comedian and Late Night talk show host, former Saturday Night Live head writer
S
Seth
Other
Third son of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis, ancestor of Noah and the biblical father of humanity
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #559
- Total SSA Count
- 530
- Cultural Origins
- English American Biblical Egyptian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Seth
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Seth is also used as a girl name, ranked #65475.
View Seth as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Seth
What does the name Seth mean?
"appointed, placed by God" (from Hebrew Shet (שֵׁת)). "substitute, replacement" (from Biblical Hebrew). Seth is a Hebrew name (שֵׁת, Shet) meaning 'appointed,' 'placed,' or 'set.' In the Book of Genesis, Seth is the third son of Adam and Eve, born after the death of Abel, his name given because 'God has appointed for me another offspring in place of Abel.' Seth is therefore a name of divine appointment and hopeful renewal. In ancient Egyptian religion, Set (or Seth) was the god of storms, chaos, and the desert — an entirely separate cultural tradition.
What is the origin of the name Seth?
Seth has Hebrew Shet (שֵׁת), Biblical Hebrew, English, American, Biblical, and Egyptian origins. In Hebrew Shet (שֵׁת), it means "appointed, placed by God". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "substitute, replacement".
Is Seth a boy or girl name?
Seth is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #559. As a girl name, it is ranked #65475. Seth is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Seth?
Seth is pronounced s-EHTH.
How popular is the name Seth?
Seth is currently ranked #559 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Seth?
Popular middle name pairings include Seth James, Seth Aaron, Seth Benjamin, Seth Thomas, Seth Elias, Seth Cole, and Seth Gray.
What are good sibling names for Seth?
Names that pair well with Seth as siblings include Caleb, Noah, Abigail, Miriam, Eli, Naomi, and Levi.
How many syllables does Seth have?
Seth has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Seth a common or rare name?
Seth is moderately common, ranked #559 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Seth
Seth is a boy name with English, American, Biblical, and Egyptian origins . The name means "appointed, placed by God" in Hebrew Shet (שֵׁת) .
Is Seth a boy or girl name? Seth is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #559 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #65,475. Seth is more commonly used as a boy name.
Seth is currently ranked #559 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Seth has 1 syllable and is pronounced s-EHTH, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis