Meaning
The meaning of Seth
Seth is commonly connected with the idea of being appointed, placed, or granted. In Genesis, Eve connects his birth with God appointing another child after Abel.
Name story
A name after grief
Seth enters the story after the violence between Cain and Abel. His birth is not a simple happy reset, but it does mark continuation after deep loss.
That gives the name a gentle restoration theme. Seth feels brief and plain, yet its biblical setting gives it emotional depth.
Biblical arc
A line that continues
Genesis follows the line of Seth as the early family history continues. The name is connected with continuity, generations, and the preservation of hope.
For Christian readers, Seth can suggest that loss is not the final word and that God's purposes continue through ordinary family lines.
Sound
How to pronounce Seth
- Phonetic
- SETH
- IPA
- /sɛθ/
1 syllable · stress: SETH · ends in a consonant
Forms
Variants and nicknames
Alternate spellings
- Set
- Sethos
- Schet
- Shet
Short forms and nicknames
- Sethy
Languages
Seth in other languages
- Hebrew
- שֵׁתShet
- Greek
- ΣήθSēth
- Latin
- Seth
- Spanish
- Set
- French
- Seth
- German
- Seth
- Italian
- Set
- Russian
- СифSif
Christian background
Christian and biblical background
Seth has Christian significance because he belongs to the early Genesis story and the family line through which the biblical narrative continues after Abel's death.
Scripture
The biblical figure
Seth is a son of Adam and Eve, born after Abel. His descendants are traced in Genesis.
Bearers
Notable people named Seth
biblical
SethThird son of Adam and Eve in Genesis, born after the death of Abelmodern
Seth GodinAmerican marketer and author of Purple Cow and Linchpin, born 1960modern
Seth MacFarlaneAmerican animator, voice actor, and creator of Family Guy, born 1973modern
Seth MeyersAmerican comedian and host of Late Night with Seth Meyers, born 1973modern
Seth RogenCanadian-American actor and filmmaker known for Knocked Up and Superbad, born 1982
Naming history
Naming tradition and history
Seth has been used in English-speaking Christian contexts for centuries. Its short sound makes it practical, while its Genesis roots keep it ancient.
Recent US use
Seth in recent US use
- Rank in 2025
- #581
- Peak rank
- #63 in 2000
- Recent trend
- declining over the last 5 years
- Years in the SSA records
- 146 (since 1880)
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880-2025.
Sibling fit
Sibling name suggestions
For families
For families looking at Seth
Seth may suit parents who want a simple biblical name with quiet depth. It is understated, clear, and connected with restoration.
Common questions
What does Seth mean?
Seth is often understood as appointed or placed.
Is Seth a biblical name?
Yes. Seth is a son of Adam and Eve in Genesis.
What does Seth represent?
Seth often represents restoration and continuation after the loss of Abel.
Sources
Sources for Seth
- A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament, Brown, Driver, and BriggsSupports: Hebrew etymology; meaning 'appointed' or 'placed'.
- The Book of Genesis, King James Version (KJV 1769)Supports: biblical figure, third son of Adam and Eve (Genesis 4:25).
Last reviewed July 19, 2026. See our methodology, or report an error on the corrections page.
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