Cedric
How to say it: SED-rik · /ˈsɛdrɪk/
Coined by Sir Walter Scott in Ivanhoe (1819), possibly derived from the Celtic name Cerdic meaning 'amiable'.
Cedric was the 949th most popular boys’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 209 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 1970s, its births are down about 20% in ten years, and it is projected to rise to #937 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among boys’ names, 2025 | #949 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 209 |
| Share of births | 1 in 15,862 |
| Peak decade | 1970s |
| Change over 10 years | −20% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #937 |
| In France, 2025 | #1,110 among boys’ names, 20 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
Cedric faded after the 1970s and has grown rarer, now far below its height. An upturn is anticipated over the next few years.
What goes with it
Clear with crisp edges and a breathy finish, Cedric feels strong as a literary choice. Dominic aligns in tone.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Cedric is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Dutch, English, French, German.
In France: #1,110 for boys in 2025.
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