Seth is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "appointed" or "compensation". It is derived from the Hebrew word "shath," which means "to assign" or "to place." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Seth was the third son of Adam and Eve, and the older brother of Cain and Abel. He is considered to be a good and righteous man, and his name is often associated with positivity and goodness.
The name Seth has been popular throughout history, particularly in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used as a personal name. It has also been used as a given name in various cultures around the world, including English-speaking countries, Jewish communities, and even among some Muslim families.
In modern times, the name Seth has gained popularity due to its unique sound and its positive associations. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for boys in the United States since the 1970s, and it is often chosen by parents who want a name that is distinctive yet not too unusual.
Overall, Seth is a strong and meaningful name with a rich history dating back to biblical times. Its positive associations and unique sound make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a memorable and significant name for their child.
The name Seth has seen a fascinating journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1880 and 1950, it maintained a steady but low presence, with fewer than 250 births per year on average. However, starting from 1951, there was a significant increase in its popularity.
The turning point came in 1967 when there were 395 births, and this number continued to rise steadily over the next decade, reaching 868 births by 1972. The peak of Seth's popularity occurred between 1973 and 1984, with a total of over 1 million births during these years alone.
From 1985 onwards, while Seth remained popular, its prevalence began to decline gradually. Between 1990 and 2020, the number of births with the name Seth hovered around the 600-700 mark annually. In 2021, there were 647 births, and this number dropped further to 562 in 2023.
Overall, since its low points in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the name Seth has experienced a remarkable resurgence in popularity, particularly from the mid-20th century onwards. Despite recent fluctuations, it remains a widely used name today.