Shem is traditionally listed first among Noah’s three sons who entered the Ark.
Genesis 7:13 names Noah’s sons as Shem, Ham, and Japheth when describing the family entering the Ark. The same order appears in several passages that discuss Noah’s family after the Flood.
The three names are especially important in the biblical genealogical framework. Genesis 10, often called the Table of Nations, traces peoples and territories through the descendants of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
Canaan is sometimes confused with the three sons because Genesis later discusses Noah’s grandson Canaan in the episode involving Noah’s curse. Canaan is not one of Noah’s sons and is not part of the traditional three-name list.