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Cedric

♂ Boy

Pronounced SED-rik /ˈsɛd.rɪk/High

Meaning: Possibly invented by Sir Walter Scott for Ivanhoe (1819), inspired by the Celtic Cerdic (possibly war-leader or the like); Scott coined or popularized the Cedric formMedium

In 30 seconds: A name invented or popularized by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Ivanhoe (1819), based on the Celtic Cerdic. The lovable Cedric the Entertainer and Little Lord Fauntleroy's Cedric have given it playful and aristocratic associations alike.

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Origin MediumCeltic, English

MeaningPossibly invented by Sir Walter Scott for Ivanhoe (1819), inspired by the Celtic Cerdic (possibly war-leader or the like); Scott coined or popularized the Cedric form

U.S. rank (2025)#1051 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births209 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1982

Total births (all-time)≈ 42,098

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Cedric was used or invented by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe (1819), based on the historical Cerdic (the founder of the Kingdom of Wessex). The original Celtic/Old English Cerdic's meaning is uncertain — possibly related to a Brittonic word meaning 'beloved' or 'dear.'

Cedric was popular in the early 20th century through Little Lord Fauntleroy. It ranked #944 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Sir Walter Scott, who practically invented the historical novel as a genre, coined or significantly reshaped the name Cedric for Ivanhoe — proving that a single novelist can permanently add a name to a language's naming stock.

Overall data confidence 76%

Behind the Name — Cedric — etymology and Scott connectionU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

CerdicCedrick

Nicknames

Ced

Famous Bearers

★Cedric (Ivanhoe) (fictional)
Cedric the Saxon in Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe (1819), the proud father of the eponymous hero. Scott's use of the name helped establish Cedric in English naming.

If you like Cedric…

Cormac— Celtic name with the same medieval/literary weight

Reginald— Germanic/Latin -ald name with the same stately vintage feel

Percival— Arthurian name with the same Victorian literary revival energy

Lyric— echoes that soft -ic sound

Carlisle— a similarly popular pick

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cedric mean?

Cedric was likely coined or popularized by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe (1819). Its root Cerdic (Celtic/Old English) may mean 'beloved' or 'war-leader,' but the etymology is uncertain.

How do you pronounce Cedric?

It's said SED-rik — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Cedric a boy or girl name?

Cedric is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Cedric?

Cedric ranked #944 for U.S. boys in 2024.