What does Seth mean and where does it come from?
The name Seth (שֵׁת) is of Hebrew origin, originally referring to the third son of Adam and Eve in the Bible. It has been used as a male name predominantly, but it has gained popularity as a female name in recent years, particularly in the United States. It is often associated with qualities such as
Cultural significance
Seth has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #2728 in 1981 — currently #526 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Seth?
Seth works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Seth Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Seth Rose
Floral · soft ending
Seth Claire
French influence · crisp
Seth Jane
Literary · strong
Seth Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Seth right now?
Falling — down 52 spots — currently #526 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #526 | 562 | ▼ down 52 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #474 | 649 | ▲ up 15 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #489 | 605 | ▲ up 12537 · +8543% births |
| 2005 | #13026 | 7 | ▼ down 2267 · -12% births |
| 2000 | #10759 | 8 | ▼ down 1199 |
| 1995 | #9560 | 8 | ▼ down 2239 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #7321 | 11 | ▼ down 3189 · -42% births |
| 1985 | #4132 | 19 | ▲ up 393 · +19% births |
| 1980 | #4525 | 16 | ▲ up 341 · +33% births |
| 1975 | #4866 | 12 | — |
The story of Seth
Seth is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. More than 163,355 babies have been named Seth since 1967. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4866 in 1975 to #526 in 2023. Seth is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Seth in 1981:
Seth by decade
Seth peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 270 | |
| 1890s | 168 | |
| 1900s | 181 | |
| 1910s | 642 | |
| 1920s | 874 | |
| 1930s | 612 | |
| 1940s | 851 | |
| 1950s | 2,100 | |
| 1960s | 3,797 | |
| 1970s | 16,674 | |
| 1980s | 31,323 | |
| 1990s | 42,304 | |
| 2000s ★ | 48,247 | |
| 2010s | 14,634 | |
| 2020s | 678 | |
What are good nicknames for Seth?
Famous people named Seth
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Seth (historical community leader)
Seth led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
S(
Seth (historical figure)
Seth bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Seth?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Seth also consider these
Common questions about the name Seth
What does the name Seth mean?
Seth means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Seth?
Seth is currently ranked #526 as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Seth?
Seth originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Seth?
Seth is a one-syllable name pronounced S EH1 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Seth sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Seth flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Seth ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.