Cedric is a name that has been around for centuries and has a rich history. The name is of Celtic origin and means “bounty”. It was not popularly used until the publication of the children’s book Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1885 to 1886, which featured a protagonist named Cedric Errol. Since then, the name has gained popularity and has been used in various cultures and countries.
The name Cedric is believed to have been invented by Sir Walter Scott for the noble character of the hero’s father in his novel Ivanhoe. It is presumed to be an altered form of the Saxon name Cerdic, which was the name of a 6th-century Anglo-Saxon king. The name has also been associated with other names such as Caradoc, Caradog, and Caratacus in different cultures and languages. Cedric has been a popular name in Belgium, France, New Zealand, Quebec, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States.
The meaning and origin of the name Cedric have been a topic of interest for many people, especially those who are looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of the name Cedric, its popularity in different cultures and countries, and its variations and meanings in other languages. We hope that this article will provide valuable insights and information for those who are interested in the name Cedric and its meaning.
Origin of the Name Cedric
Cedric is a boy’s name of Celtic origin that means “bounty”. The name Cedric was invented by Sir Walter Scott for the noble character of the hero’s father in Ivanhoe, and is presumed to be an altered form of the Saxon name Cerdic.
According to historical accounts, Cerdic was the founder of the kingdom of Wessex in the 6th century. The name Cerdic itself is derived from the Brittonic name Coroticus, which means “ruler” or “king”.
While the name Cerdic was not popularly used until the 19th century, the name Cedric gained popularity after the publication of the children’s book Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1885-1886. The protagonist of the book is called Cedric Errol, and the book’s popularity helped to spread the name Cedric throughout English-speaking countries.
Today, Cedric remains a popular name for boys, ranking #971 in popularity in 2023 according to BabyCenter user data. The name has been used in popular culture, including in the Harry Potter series, where Cedric Diggory is a popular character.
Meaning and Symbolism
Cedric is a masculine given name that originated from the Anglo-Saxon name Cerdic. It was popularized by Sir Walter Scott in his 1819 novel Ivanhoe, where he used it for a noble character. The name Cedric is of Celtic origin and means “bounty,” which reflects the character of those who bear it.
According to name experts, the name Cedric evokes the qualities of intensity, perseverance, and altruism. People with this name are believed to be determined and dedicated individuals who are capable of achieving their goals through hard work and commitment.
In addition to its meaning, the name Cedric also has symbolic significance. It is associated with leadership, strength, and generosity. People with this name are believed to be natural leaders who inspire others through their actions and words. They are also known for their generosity and willingness to help others in need.
Overall, the name Cedric is a powerful and meaningful name that carries with it a sense of strength, determination, and generosity. It is a name that has stood the test of time and continues to be popular among parents looking for a meaningful and unique name for their child.
Popularity of the Name Cedric
Cedric is a unique and charming name that has been around for centuries. The name has been gaining popularity over the years, and it is expected to continue to rise in popularity in the coming years.
According to BabyCenter user data, Cedric’s popularity ranking in 2023 is #971, which is an increase of 115 from the previous year. The name has been consistently rising in popularity since the early 2000s, and it is currently at its peak.
The name Cedric was not popularly used until the publication of the children’s book Little Lord Fauntleroy in 1885 to 1886, which featured a protagonist named Cedric Errol. Since then, the name has been used in various forms of media, including literature, film, and television.
Cedric’s popularity is not just limited to the United States. The name has also gained popularity in other countries, such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. In France, the name Cedric was ranked #199 in 2020, while in the United Kingdom, it was ranked #427 in 2020.
In conclusion, the name Cedric has been steadily rising in popularity over the years and is expected to continue to do so in the future. Its unique and charming qualities make it a popular choice for parents looking for a name that stands out.
Famous People Named Cedric
Cedric is a name that has been used by many notable people throughout history. Here are a few examples of famous people named Cedric:
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Cedric Gibbons: Born in Dublin, Ireland, Cedric Gibbons is a renowned art director who worked on over 1,500 films throughout his career. He was nominated for 39 Academy Awards and won 11 of them.
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Cedric Hardwicke: Born in Lye, England, Cedric Hardwicke was a well-known actor who appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
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Cedric the Entertainer: Born Cedric Antonio Kyles, Cedric the Entertainer is a popular American actor, comedian, and game show host. He has appeared in many films and TV shows, including Barbershop, The Steve Harvey Show, and The Neighborhood.
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Cedric Benson: Cedric Benson was a former American football player who played for several teams in the NFL, including the Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, and Green Bay Packers. He passed away in 2019.
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Cedric Bixler-Zavala: Cedric Bixler-Zavala is a musician and songwriter who is best known for his work with the bands At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta.
These are just a few examples of famous people named Cedric. The name has been used by many talented individuals throughout history, and it continues to be a popular choice for parents who are looking for a strong and unique name for their child.
Variations of the Name Cedric
Cedric is a name with a rich history and a variety of variations. Here are some of the most popular variations of the name Cedric:
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Cedrick: This spelling variation of Cedric is commonly used in the United States and Canada. It has the same pronunciation as Cedric, but with a different spelling.
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Cedrik: This variation of Cedric is popular in Germany and other European countries. It is pronounced the same as Cedric, but with a different spelling.
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Cédric: This is the French spelling of Cedric. It is pronounced slightly differently than the English version, with more emphasis on the “ay” sound.
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Sedrick: This variation of Cedric is less common than the others, but still used in some parts of the world. It has a slightly different pronunciation, with more emphasis on the “ed” sound.
Regardless of the spelling variation, the name Cedric remains a strong and timeless choice for a baby boy.
Cedric in Literature and Pop Culture
Cedric is a name that has been featured prominently in literature and pop culture over the years. Here are some notable examples:
Literature
- Sir Walter Scott invented the name Cedric for the character of Ivanhoe’s father in his 1819 novel “Ivanhoe.” Cedric is a noble Saxon who opposes the Norman conquerors of England.
- Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1886 novel “Little Lord Fauntleroy” features a young protagonist named Cedric Errol. The book was a bestseller and helped popularize the name Cedric.
- Cedric Diggory is a character in J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. He is a popular and talented student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Pop Culture
- Cedric the Entertainer is a popular American comedian, actor, and television host. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows over the years.
- Cedric Gervais is a French DJ and music producer who has won a Grammy Award for his remix of Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness.”
- Cedric the Sorcerer is a character in the Disney animated series “Sofia the First.” He is a wise and powerful magician who helps the young princess Sofia on her adventures.
Overall, the name Cedric has a rich history in literature and has become a popular choice for parents looking for a strong and distinctive name for their children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spiritual meaning of the name Cedric?
There is no specific spiritual meaning associated with the name Cedric. However, the name’s Celtic origin may be associated with the natural world and the elements.
What are some names similar to Cedric?
If you like the name Cedric, you may also like similar names such as Cedrick, Kendrick, Eric, Derek, and Derrick.
What is the Italian meaning of Cedric?
There is no direct translation of the name Cedric in Italian. However, the name may be spelled and pronounced the same way in Italian.
Is Cedric a popular name among black people?
There is no evidence to suggest that Cedric is more or less popular among black people than any other racial or ethnic group.
Is Cedric a good name to give to a baby?
The decision to name a baby Cedric is a personal one. It is important to consider the name’s meaning and origin, as well as how it may be perceived by others.
What are some variations of the name Cedric?
Variations of the name Cedric include Cedrick, Sedrick, and Sedric.