Cedric is a name of Scottish and Irish origin that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and attractive meaning. The name is derived from the Old English word "Cerdic," which means "natural leader" or "battle chief." This moniker was first used by Cerdic, the legendary founder of the West Saxon dynasty who lived during the 6th century.
In Scotland, Cedric is often associated with the fictional character Sir Cedric Errol from the novel "The Little Duke," written by John H. Newton in 1870. This work tells the story of a young boy named Errol who becomes the Duke of Cheshire and eventually marries Lady Mary Carpenter, a beautiful heiress.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the name Cedric. One such person was Sir Cedric Morris (1889-1982), an English painter known for his portraits and landscapes. Another famous bearer of this name is Cedric the Entertainer, born Larry Donnell Reed Jr., an American comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director who rose to prominence in the late 1990s.
While Cedric has traditionally been more popular as a boy's name, it can also be used for girls. In fact, some sources suggest that the name is now becoming more unisex, with parents choosing it regardless of their child's gender due to its strong and appealing sound.
In summary, Cedric is an attractive Scottish and Irish name that means "natural leader" or "battle chief." It has a rich history dating back to the 6th century, as well as several notable bearers throughout time. With its unique sound and appealing meaning, it's no surprise that Cedric has gained popularity in recent years as a boy's name and is even being considered more frequently for girls.
These statistics reveal a fascinating journey of the name Cedric over time. The name's popularity was initially quite low, with single-digit births per year from 1890 to 1937. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1930s and early 1940s, with numbers reaching double digits consistently.
The significant leap in popularity occurred around the mid-1950s, with births skyrocketing from 206 in 1953 to 280 in 1956. This trend continued into the 1960s and 1970s, peaking at 977 births in 1982.
However, since then, Cedric has seen a steady decline in popularity. From its peak in the early 1980s, the number of annual births named Cedric dropped to around 235 in 2022, reflecting a significant decrease in its usage over time.