Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cesar
BoySpanish, Latin· “uncertain (from Caesar)”
- Meaning
- uncertain (from Caesar) (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Spanish, Latin
- Pronunciation
- SAY-sahr
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #385
- US babies 2025
- 824
- Best rank
- #158 (2004)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Cesar
Cesar is often said to mean “uncertain (from Caesar)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Latin roots.
Cesar is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Latin Caesar, the family name of Julius Caesar. Its origin is uncertain; ancient writers suggested links to caesaries, meaning a head of hair, or to caedere, meaning to cut. Caesar became a title for Roman emperors and later gave rise to the words kaiser and tsar. César Chávez, the American labor leader and civil rights activist, is a notable bearer. The name is common among Spanish-speaking families. In English it is often said SEE-zur.
Other spellings with the same sound: Caesar.
Popularity over time
Cesar first appears in US Social Security records in 1915. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 77 different years, starting in 1948. Its best national rank was #158 in 2004, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,538 babies. In 2025, 824 babies were named Cesar, and it ranked #385 nationally. That is 37% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,633 in 1920, #950 in 1950, #264 in 1980, #170 in 2000, #202 in 2010, and #385 in 2025. Of the 78,824 US boys named Cesar since records began, 30% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 17,848 babies. Since 2010, 18,334 more have been named Cesar.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Hector, Edgar, Ty, Manuel, and Donovan.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Cesar ranked highest in New Mexico, Texas, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | #163 | 12 |
| Texas | #176 | 209 |
| California | #211 | 177 |
| Arizona | #218 | 38 |
| Nevada | #247 | 12 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Cesar is usually pronounced SAY-sahr, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with C and ends in “-ar”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Caesar.
Middle names for Cesar
A few middle names that flow with Cesar: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cesar
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Lists that include Cesar
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cesar mean?
Cesar is often said to mean “uncertain (from Caesar)”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Spanish and Latin roots.
What is the origin of the name Cesar?
Cesar has Spanish and Latin roots. Cesar is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the Latin Caesar, the family name of Julius Caesar.
Is Cesar a popular name?
Yes. Cesar ranked #385 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Cesar a boy or girl name?
Cesar is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Cesar?
Cesar is usually pronounced SAY-sahr. 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