Sethe first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Sethe has been for the last 12 years (from 1996 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Sethe

A name possibly derived from the name Seth, meaning "appointed" or "compensation".

Popularity of Sethe by gender

Based on the last 12 years of data, Sethe is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Sethe.

Year Male Count Female Count
2007 5 0
2002 7 0
2000 8 0
1999 6 0
1996 6 0

The history of the first name Sethe

The given name Sethe is of uncertain origin, with no clear consensus among scholars on its linguistic roots or cultural background. Some linguists have speculated that it may be a variant spelling of the Hebrew name "Seth," which means "appointed" or "compensation" and is derived from the biblical figure Seth, the third son of Adam and Eve.

Another theory suggests that Sethe could be a variant of the Old English name "Sæþrið," which was composed of the elements "sæ" (sea) and "þrið" (strength), potentially indicating a connection to maritime or nautical traditions. However, there is little historical evidence to support this claim definitively.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Sethe are sparse and scattered across various regions, making it challenging to pinpoint its precise origins. One of the earliest documented individuals with this name was Sethe of Bayeux, a Norman noblewoman who lived in the 11th century and was mentioned in the Domesday Book, a historical record commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086.

In the 15th century, a German scholar and humanist named Sethe Calvisius (1556-1615) gained recognition for his contributions to the field of chronology and his efforts to reconcile historical timelines with biblical narratives. His work, "Opus Chronologicum," published in 1605, was widely influential in his time.

During the 17th century, Sethe Snyder (1620-1684) was a prominent Dutch Golden Age painter known for her still-life compositions and portraiture. Her works are housed in various museums across Europe, including the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

In the 19th century, Sethe Andresen (1845-1922) was a Norwegian businesswoman and philanthropist who played a significant role in the industrial development of Sarpsborg, Norway. Her contributions to the local community and her support for education and social welfare initiatives earned her recognition and respect.

More recently, in the 20th century, Sethe Linfortadt (1918-2008) was a Swedish author and poet known for her poignant works exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Her collection of poems, "Ögonblick av evighet" (Moments of Eternity), published in 1978, received critical acclaim.

While the name Sethe has appeared throughout history, it has remained relatively uncommon, with no clear cultural or linguistic roots that can be definitively traced. The individuals mentioned above represent a diverse range of backgrounds and accomplishments, showcasing the versatility and enduring presence of this unique name across different eras and regions.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Sethe was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Sethe, please contact us.

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"Sethe first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on July 16, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/sethe-meaning-and-history/.

"Sethe first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/sethe-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 16 July, 2025

Sethe first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/sethe-meaning-and-history/.

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