Baby Names

Cedric – Name Meaning, Origin, Popularity

Meaning of Cedric:

The name Cedric is derived from the Old English elements “cēse,” meaning “cheese,” and “rīce,” meaning “ruler” or “king,” resulting in a possible interpretation as “cheese ruler” or “ruler of the estate.”

Origin of Cedric:

The name Cedric is best known for its appearance in Sir Walter Scott’s historical novel “Ivanhoe,” published in 1820. In the novel, Cedric is a Saxon nobleman and the father of the protagonist, Ivanhoe. Sir Walter Scott created the name Cedric for his novel, and its popularity grew as a result.

While created for the novel, the name is often thought to have been inspired by Celtic roots. Some sources suggest a connection to the Old Welsh name “Cerdic” or the Old Breton name “Caradoc,” both of which have Celtic origins.

Popularity of Cedric:

According to the United States Social Security Administration, Cedric is the 2139th most popular name in the United States. An estimated 9.500 have this name, and there are 2.98 people with this name for every 100,000 Americans.

The success of “Ivanhoe” played a significant role in popularizing the name. It became a fashionable and well-liked name in the 19th century, and its popularity has endured, especially in English-speaking countries. It remains a recognizable and classic given name.

Famous People Named Cedric:

  1. Cedric the Entertainer (Cedric Antonio Kyles): Cedric the Entertainer is an American actor, comedian, and television host known for his roles in comedy, including “The Original Kings of Comedy” and “The Steve Harvey Show.”
  2. Cedric Maxwell (Cedric Bryan Maxwell): Cedric Maxwell is a former American professional basketball player who played in the NBA, primarily known for his time with the Boston Celtics.
  3. Cedric Hardwicke (Sir Cedric Webster Hardwicke): Cedric Hardwicke was an English stage and film actor known for his distinguished career in acting, including roles in classic films like “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “The Ten Commandments.”

Nicknames for Cedric:

Some common nicknames for Cedric include:

  1. Ced
  2. Rick

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