Find out how popular the first name Cedric has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cedric by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Cedric is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Cedric being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 205 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cedric.

The history of the first name Cedric

The name Cedric has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the elements "cēd" meaning "battle" or "combat," and "rīc" meaning "ruler" or "powerful." Thus, the name Cedric can be interpreted to mean "powerful in battle" or "mighty warrior." It emerged around the 7th century AD in Anglo-Saxon England.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Cedric can be found in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which mentions a Cedric who was a King of the West Saxons in the late 7th century. This historical figure is believed to have ruled from around 685 to 688 AD.

In the Medieval period, the name Cedric gained popularity among the Norman nobility in England. One notable bearer of the name was Cedric of Lockinge, a 12th-century Anglo-Norman nobleman who served as the Sheriff of Wiltshire and Constable of Marlborough Castle.

Another famous Cedric from history was Cedric the Saxon, a character from Sir Walter Scott's 1819 novel "Ivanhoe." Set in 12th-century England, the novel portrayed Cedric as a Saxon nobleman who played a significant role in the story's events.

In the realm of literature, Cedric Errol was the main character in Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1886 children's novel "Little Lord Fauntleroy." The book followed the journey of a young American boy who unexpectedly became the heir to an English earldom.

One of the most renowned individuals named Cedric was Sir Cedric Hardwicke (1893-1964), an English actor known for his roles in films such as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939) and "Rope" (1948). He was knighted in 1934 for his contributions to the theater.

Another notable Cedric was Cedric Morris (1889-1982), a British artist, plantsman, and founder of the East Anglian School of Painting and Drawing. He was known for his vibrant floral paintings and his work in preserving rare plant species.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cedric was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cedric, please contact us.

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