Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cedric
BoyEnglish· “uncertain; popularized by Walter Scott”
- Meaning
- uncertain; popularized by Walter Scott (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- SEHD-rihk
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #1,051
- US babies 2025
- 209
- Best rank
- #230 (1974)
- Peak year
- 1982
Meaning and origin of Cedric
Cedric is often said to mean “uncertain; popularized by Walter Scott”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
Cedric was introduced as a given name by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Ivanhoe, where Cedric the Saxon is the hero's proud father. Scott probably based it on Cerdic, the name of the legendary founder of the kingdom of Wessex, whose origin is uncertain and may be Celtic. The name gained further attention through Cedric Errol, the young hero of Frances Hodgson Burnett's Little Lord Fauntleroy. More recently, Cedric Diggory in the Harry Potter series introduced it to a new generation. Cedric feels gallant and a little old-world, with Ced as a nickname.
Popularity over time
Cedric first appears in US Social Security records in 1890. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 106 different years, starting in 1893. Its best national rank was #230 in 1974, and the most babies received it in 1982, when 977 were named Cedric. In 2025, 209 babies were named Cedric, and it ranked #1,051 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #903 in 1920, #589 in 1950, #245 in 1980, #463 in 2000, #724 in 2010, and #1,051 in 2025. Of the 42,104 US boys named Cedric since records began, 21% were born in the 1970s, its biggest decade. The 1980s come next, with 7,997 babies. Since 2010, 3,943 more have been named Cedric.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jamaal, Rodolfo, Jerrod, and Clinton.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cedric ranked highest in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | #509 | 6 |
| Wisconsin | #702 | 6 |
| Indiana | #722 | 8 |
| Washington | #743 | 8 |
| Colorado | #779 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Cedric is usually pronounced SEHD-rihk, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-ic”.
Middle names for Cedric
A few middle names that flow with Cedric: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cedric
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Lists that include Cedric
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cedric mean?
Cedric is often said to mean “uncertain; popularized by Walter Scott”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English roots.
What is the origin of the name Cedric?
Cedric has English roots. Cedric was introduced as a given name by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Ivanhoe, where Cedric the Saxon is the hero's proud father.
Is Cedric a popular name?
Not especially. Cedric ranked #1,051 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cedric a boy or girl name?
Cedric is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Cedric?
Cedric is usually pronounced SEHD-rihk. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings