Cedric is a masculine given name of Welsh origin. It is derived from the Welsh word "Cedwir," which means "bountiful" or "generous." The name Cedric was popularized in English literature by Sir Walter Scott, who used it as the name of a Saxon chief in his historical novel "Ivanhoe," published in 1820. Although the name is of Welsh origin, it has since become more commonly associated with Scottish culture due to its use in Scott's novel. Cedric was also the name of a character in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, which may have contributed to its popularity in recent years. However, despite its modern pop-culture associations, Cedric remains a name with ancient roots and a timeless meaning.
Cedric is a name that has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in its usage as evidenced by the annual birth statistics from 1946 to 1989.
From 1946 onwards, there were consistently fewer than 10 births per year until 1969. However, between 1969 and 1972, there was a notable increase in popularity with an average of around 13 births each year. This trend continued into the early 1980s, with peaks in 1976 (14 births) and 1982 (10 births), although it did not reach the heights seen in the late 1960s to early 1970s.
After 1982, there was a decline in popularity for the name Cedric, with fewer than 10 births per year until 1989. Despite these fluctuations, the total number of births for the name Cedric over this period is 278, indicating that it has been consistently used, albeit at varying levels of popularity.
While there were periods where the name Cedric was more popular, such as from 1969 to 1972 and in 1976, there have also been times when its usage was less common, notably after 1982. However, throughout these years, the name Cedric has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States.
This information can be useful for parents considering the name Cedric for their child, as it provides insight into the name's historical popularity and trends over time. It also demonstrates that while the name may not have been consistently popular, it has been used often enough to maintain visibility and recognition throughout several decades.