The given name Cedar is derived from the English word for the evergreen coniferous tree. The name has its roots in ancient civilizations, where cedar trees were revered for their durability, fragrance, and medicinal properties.

In ancient Egypt, cedar wood was highly prized for its resistance to rot and insect infestation, making it a popular choice for constructing sarcophagi, boats, and furniture. The Phoenicians also valued cedar trees, using the wood to build their famous ships and the legendary temple of Baal in Tyre.

The biblical references to cedar trees are numerous, with the wood being used in the construction of Solomon's Temple and other sacred structures. The "cedars of Lebanon" are mentioned frequently in the Old Testament, signifying strength and majesty. The name Cedar may have been given to children as a symbol of endurance and divine favor.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Cedar was Cedar Barnes, an American Revolutionary War soldier from Virginia who was born in 1752. In the 19th century, Cedar Ream was a prominent businessman and politician in Ohio, serving as the mayor of Cleveland in the 1860s.

Cedar Walton, born in 1934, was a renowned American jazz pianist and composer, known for his work with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and other influential groups. Cedar Miller, a Native American artist born in 1936, gained recognition for her intricate pottery and ceramics inspired by traditional Navajo designs.

In literature, Cedar Hawkins is a character in the novel "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck, published in 1939. The name Cedar evokes a sense of resilience and connection to nature, befitting the struggles of the Joad family during the Great Depression.