Cedric

What does the baby name Cedric mean? Learn about what Cedric means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Cedric - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Cedric
C-E-D-R-I-C, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Cedric
SED rik
Meaning of Cedric
Battle chieftain, created name, generous and friendly character, chief.
Origin of Cedric
The name 'Cedric' has its roots in Old English. It is believed to have been derived from the Old English name Cerdic, which was the name of a legendary Saxon king who ruled over the kingdom of Wessex in the 6th century. The name Cerdic itself is thought to have originated from the Celtic word 'caratacos', meaning 'beloved' or 'darling'. Over time, the name Cerdic evolved into 'Cedric', and it has been used as a given name ever since.
American Names
Celebrity Names
Celtic Names
English Names
Literary Names
Old English Names
Welsh Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Cedric
Cadadoc
Caddaric
Ced
Cerdic
Ceredic
Rick
Sedrick
Popularity of Cedric
The popularity of the name 'Cedric' has varied over time. It first gained attention in the 19th century when it was used as the name of a character in Sir Walter Scott's novel 'Ivanhoe'. The character, 'Cedric' the Saxon, was a noble and honorable figure, which may have contributed to the name's appeal. However, it wasn't until the 20th century that the name 'Cedric' started to gain significant popularity.

In the United States, 'Cedric' reached its peak in the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, it ranked among the top 200 names for boys. However, its popularity has declined since then, and it is now considered a less common name. Despite this, 'Cedric' still maintains a certain charm and uniqueness that appeals to many parents.
Cedric currently has 117 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked boy's names. The name Alfred is slightly more popular than Cedric.

Etymology of Cedric

Etymologically, the name 'Cedric' can be traced back to the Old English word 'cēd', meaning 'battle' or 'war'. This gives the name a strong and warrior-like connotation. The addition of the suffix '-ric' signifies 'ruler' or 'king', further enhancing the name's regal and powerful qualities. Thus, the name 'Cedric' can be interpreted as 'ruler of battle' or 'warrior king.'

Cultural Significance of Cedric

The name 'Cedric' does not have any specific cultural or religious significance. However, it has been used in various literary works and popular culture references. As mentioned earlier, 'Cedric' the Saxon from Sir Walter Scott's 'Ivanhoe' is one of the most notable fictional characters associated with the name. 'Cedric' Diggory, a character from J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, has also contributed to the name's recognition among younger generations.