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Cedric Boy

Popularity: #684 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationSED-rik / /ˈsɛdrɪk/

Old English; Celtic

Meaning

Old English: 'bounty'; Celtic: 'warrior'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Cedric is believed to have originated from the Old English name "Cerdic," which is thought to derive from the Proto-Germanic elements "kaurdiz," meaning "kindly" or "loved," and "wīc," meaning "settlement" or "dwelling." The name was first recorded in the 6th century, associated with Cerdic of Wessex, a legendary figure and founder of the Kingdom of Wessex in southern England. The name was later adapted into the form Cedric by Sir Walter Scott in his 1819 novel "Ivanhoe," where it was used for a noble character, thus popularizing it in the English-speaking world.

Historically, the name Cedric has been linked to various figures in literature and history. The aforementioned Cerdic is a significant figure in early English history, and the name has been associated with nobility and leadership. The use of Cedric in Scott's work marked a revival of interest in Anglo-Saxon culture and history during the 19th century, a time when romanticized views of the medieval past were prevalent. The character Cedric in "Ivanhoe" is depicted as a Saxon nobleman, which further solidified the name's association with themes of chivalry and heritage.

Culturally, Cedric has resonated through various adaptations in literature and media, often embodying traits of honor and nobility. The name's connection to the Anglo-Saxon period has lent it a sense of historical gravitas, making it a symbol of English identity. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Ced or Ceddy have emerged, though they are less commonly noted in historical texts. Overall, the name Cedric encapsulates a blend of linguistic heritage, historical significance, and cultural resonance, reflecting its roots in early English history and its evolution through literature.

Trend Summary

Cedric has seen fluctuating popularity in the U.S., with a notable increase in the early 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Ced
  • Ceddy

International Variants

  • Cédric (French)
  • Cédrique (French)
  • Kedric (Welsh)

Famous people named Cedric

Cedric the Entertainer is a comedian and actor best known for The Original Kings of Comedy, Barbershop, and The Neighborhood.

Cedric Diggory is a fictional character best known for being a student at Hogwarts and a Triwizard Tournament champion in the Harry Potter series.

Cedric Bixler-Zavala is a musician best known for being the lead vocalist of the bands At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta.

Cedric Gibbons was an art director best known for his work on The Wizard of Oz, Ben-Hur, and A Streetcar Named Desire.

Cedric Ceballos is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Phoenix Suns and winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

Fictional characters named Cedric

Cedric Diggory is a fictional character from the book series Harry Potter. He is a Hufflepuff student at Hogwarts and a competitor in the Triwizard Tournament.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Cedric was first seen in the United States in 1890. Cedric has ranked as high as #471 nationally, which occurred in 1982, and has been most popular in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, California, and Louisiana. In the past 5 years the name Cedric has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Cedric (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 22
12%
TX 18
10%
OH 16
9%
NC 11
6%
FL 10
5%
PA 10
5%
NY 9
5%
WA 8
4%
MA 8
4%
GA 7
4%
IL 7
4%
IN 6
3%
LA 6
3%
AR 6
3%
TN 6
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
18905
18939
18955
18967
18978
18995
19037
19048
19055
19068
19077
190813
190913
19105
191117
191237
191344
191451
191557
191639
191740
191855
191950
192058
192159
192242
192332
192442
192534
192642
192751
192835
192945
193055
193144
193229
193338
193441
193541
193643
193755
193835
193947
194045
194164
194253
194360
194448
194554
194665
194773
194868
194996
1950133
1951154
1952156
1953206
1954224
1955254
1956280
1957401
1958406
1959520
1960533
1961639
1962693
1963694
1964742
1965700
1966726
1967717
1968690
1969701
1970879
1971860
1972896
1973883
1974903
1975871
1976861
1977903
1978793
1979827
1980908
1981910
1982977
1983804
1984885
1985843
1986706
1987678
1988642
1989643
1990611
1991598
1992554
1993589
1994548
1995573
1996592
1997573
1998552
1999476
2000512
2001520
2002481
2003425
2004384
2005382
2006416
2007429
2008374
2009340
2010317
2011300
2012302
2013268
2014293
2015261
2016237
2017211
2018216
2019209
2020222
2021208
2022235
2023209
2024242