What does Cedric mean and where does it come from?
Cedric is traditionally a male name originating from the 19th century, popularized by Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Ivanhoe'. However, recent naming trends have seen it adopted as a female name as well. It is believed to be derived from the Old English name 'Cerdic', meaning 'bounty' or 'generous'. The
Cultural significance
Cedric has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a beloved name with deep roots.
Peak popularity
Reached #940 in 2024 — currently #1051 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Cedric?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Cedric?
Cedric works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cedric Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Cedric John
One syllable · timeless choice
Cedric Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Cedric Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Cedric Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Cedric Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Cedric right now?
Falling — down 111 spots — currently #1051 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1051 | 209 | ▼ down 111 · -15% births |
| 2024 | #940 | 245 | ▲ up 105 · +17% births |
| 2023 | #1045 | 209 | ▼ down 83 · -11% births |
| 2022 | #962 | 235 | ▲ up 76 · +13% births |
| 2021 | #1038 | 208 | ▲ up 8355 · +3367% births |
| 1985 | #9393 | 6 | ▲ up 1114 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #10507 | 5 | ▼ down 5885 · -62% births |
| 1975 | #4622 | 13 | ▼ down 334 |
| 1970 | #4288 | 13 | ▲ up 1064 · +86% births |
| 1965 | #5352 | 7 | ▼ down 515 · -12% births |
| 1960 | #4837 | 8 | — |
The story of Cedric
Cedric entered American naming records in 1946 and has been in use for over 78 years. A total of 41,259 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4837 in 1960 to #1045 in 2023. Cedric is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cedric in 2024:
Cedric by decade
Cedric peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 39 | |
| 1900s | 61 | |
| 1910s | 395 | |
| 1920s | 440 | |
| 1930s | 429 | |
| 1940s | 631 | |
| 1950s | 2,745 | |
| 1960s | 6,899 | |
| 1970s ★ | 8,799 | |
| 1980s | 8,065 | |
| 1990s | 5,665 | |
| 2000s | 4,262 | |
| 2010s | 2,608 | |
| 2020s | 675 | |
What are good nicknames for Cedric?
What names sound and feel like Cedric?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cedric also consider these
How is Cedric written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Cedric
What does the name Cedric mean?
Cedric means "A beloved name with deep roots" — a name rooted in English tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Cedric?
Cedric is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cedric?
Cedric originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Cedric?
Cedric is a two-syllable name pronounced SEDR-ik. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Cedric a common or rare name?
Cedric is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.