Shem is the first of Noah’s sons listed in the standard sequence in Genesis.
Genesis 5:32 introduces Noah’s sons as Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Genesis 6:10 repeats that order when describing Noah’s family before the flood, and Genesis 7:13 uses the same sequence when they enter the Ark.
The order of names does not necessarily indicate their ages. Genesis 9:24 later calls Ham Noah’s youngest son, while Genesis 10 presents genealogical material associated with all three sons.
Canaan is also connected to Ham in the post-flood account, but Canaan is Noah’s grandson, not one of Noah’s three sons. That relationship is a common source of confusion when reading the family lists.