Cedric is a boy's name of Scottish origin, derived from the Old English name "Cerdic," which means "natural leader" or "bold power." The name has been associated with several historical figures, most notably Cerdic, the semi-legendary founder of the West Saxon royal dynasty in England. According to tradition, Cerdic became king of the West Saxons in 519 AD and founded the kingdom that would later become the heartland of the Anglo-Saxon heptarchy.
The name Cedric gained popularity during the Victorian era, thanks in large part to Sir Walter Scott's 1822 novel "Ivanhoe." In the novel, Cedric the Saxon is a nobleman who defends his people against Norman oppression. This character portrayal likely contributed to the increased usage of the name Cedric among English-speaking families.
In French, the name Cedric is often spelled "Cédric" with an accent over the first "e," which gives it a slightly different pronunciation and emphasizes its Gallic roots. However, regardless of language or spelling, the name Cedric retains its Scottish origins and strong historical associations.
Today, Cedric remains a popular boy's name in English-speaking countries, particularly in France, where it has consistently ranked among the top 100 names for boys since the early 20th century. Despite its historic roots and noble connotations, the name Cedric is not often heard outside of these regions, making it somewhat unique and distinctive when encountered elsewhere in the world.
In summary, the name Cedric is of Scottish origin, meaning "natural leader" or "bold power." It has a rich historical legacy, associated with figures like Cerdic, the founder of the West Saxon royal dynasty. Popularized by Sir Walter Scott's novel "Ivanhoe," Cedric remains a popular boy's name in English-speaking countries, particularly France, where it retains its Scottish roots and noble associations despite its Gallic spelling.
The name Cederic has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 103 births recorded between 1958 and 1997. The peak years for this name were 1985 and 1997, each with 12 and 8 births respectively. Interestingly, there was a notable gap in the use of this name between 1987 and 1997, suggesting that it may have fallen out of favor during those years before making a comeback at the end of the century. Despite its ups and downs, Cederic remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents seeking a less common name for their child.