Cedar is a unique and distinctive given name of Native American origin, derived from the English word "cedar," which refers to the evergreen coniferous tree species of the genus Cedrus. The name Cedar is often associated with the strength, longevity, and beauty of these trees.
The use of plant names as given names has gained popularity in recent years, with many parents choosing nature-inspired monikers for their children. Cedar is among the most popular of these botanical names, perhaps because it evokes images of majesty and resilience.
In American history, the name Cedar was popularized by notable figures such as Cedar Armstrong, an early 20th-century actor who appeared in numerous silent films. However, its usage as a given name can be traced back even further to Native American cultures, where cedar trees were revered for their spiritual significance and practical uses.
In many Native American tribes, the cedar tree was considered sacred due to its healing properties and its ability to ward off evil spirits. Cedar bark was used to make clothing, baskets, and other essential items, while the leaves and wood were burned for fragrance and purification purposes during ceremonies.
The name Cedar has also been popularized in literature and pop culture. For example, Cedar Cove is a fictional town featured in the novels by Debbie Macomber, which later became the setting for a television series called "Cedar Cove." Additionally, the character Cedar Bartok appears as a supporting role in the popular video game franchise "The Witcher."
In conclusion, the name Cedar is of Native American origin and is derived from the English word for the evergreen coniferous tree species of the genus Cedrus. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in strength, longevity, beauty, and spiritual significance. Although its usage as a given name has gained popularity in recent years due to the trend of nature-inspired monikers, Cedar's roots can be traced back centuries to Native American cultures that revered the cedar tree for its practical uses and spiritual significance.
The name Cedar has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Between 1972 and 1986, there were fewer than 12 births each year with the name Cedar. However, starting from 1987, the number of babies named Cedar began to rise steadily.
In 1996, a total of 19 babies were named Cedar, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. This trend continued into the new millennium, with 2001 seeing a record 39 births for the name Cedar.
The popularity of the name Cedar has continued to grow in recent years. In 2015, there were 110 births, which more than doubled to 260 in 2020. The most recent data available shows that in 2022, a total of 188 babies were named Cedar.
Over the past five decades, there have been a total of 2290 births with the name Cedar in the United States. This demonstrates that while it may not be one of the most popular names, it has still been chosen for thousands of children during this period.