"cedar tree, resinous wood"
Origin: Greek/Semitic
Language: English
Cedar
Pronunciation: [ s-EED-er ]
Does Cedar flow with your last name?
Ancient, sacred, and rooted in the natural world
American
English
Middle Eastern
Earthy
Unique
Minimalist
Whimsical
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The Story of Cedar
Cedar traces its name through Greek 'kedros' and Latin 'cedrus,' ultimately from a Semitic root related to the Akkadian 'qatru' meaning 'resinous wood.' The cedar tree has been sacred across multiple ancient civilizations—the Phoenicians used Lebanon cedar to build King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, the Egyptians used cedar oil for mummification, and the Epic of Gilgamesh features a sacred Cedar Forest as the dwelling of the gods. Lebanon's cedar tree is so culturally central it appears on the national flag.
Cedar has been rising as a given name since the 2010s, part of a broader nature-naming trend that includes Juniper, Sage, River, and Birch. It appeals to parents seeking earthy, distinctive names that feel both modern and timeless.
Cedar trees are deeply significant in Middle Eastern, Native American, and Pacific Northwest cultures. In Lebanon, the cedar is a national symbol. Many First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest consider cedar a sacred tree of life, using it for canoes, longhouses, and ceremonial objects.
Historical Record
Cedar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1972.
Over 2,464 babies have been named Cedar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cedar is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,203 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The cedar tree appears on the flag of Lebanon, where it has been a national symbol for millennia
- Cedar wood was so prized in ancient Egypt that it was used in the construction of pharaohs' coffins and solar boats
Cedar in Other Languages
Arabic
أرز (arz)
French
Cèdre
Hebrew
אֶרֶז (erez)
Spanish
Cedro
Japanese
シーダー
Popularity Over Time
#1,203
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,203
- Total SSA Count
- 170
- Cultural Origins
- American English Middle Eastern
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Nicknames
Ced
Cey
Ceie
Cedkins
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cedar
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cedar is also used as a girl name, ranked #2400.
View Cedar as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar
What does the name Cedar mean?
"cedar tree, resinous wood" (from Greek/Semitic). Cedar traces its name through Greek 'kedros' and Latin 'cedrus,' ultimately from a Semitic root related to the Akkadian 'qatru' meaning 'resinous wood.' The cedar tree has been sacred across multiple ancient civilizations—the Phoenicians used Lebanon cedar to build King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, the Egyptians used cedar oil for mummification, and the Epic of Gilgamesh features a sacred Cedar Forest as the dwelling of the gods. Lebanon's cedar tree is so culturally central it appears on the national flag.
What is the origin of the name Cedar?
Cedar has Greek/Semitic, American, English, and Middle Eastern origins. In Greek/Semitic, it means "cedar tree, resinous wood".
Is Cedar a boy or girl name?
Cedar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1203. As a girl name, it is ranked #2400. Cedar is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Cedar?
Cedar is pronounced s-EED-er.
How popular is the name Cedar?
Cedar is currently ranked #1203 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cedar?
Common nicknames for Cedar include Ced, Cey, Ceie, and Cedkins.
What are good middle names for Cedar?
Popular middle name pairings include Cedar James, Cedar Lake, Cedar Stone, Cedar River, Cedar Finn, and Cedar Wolf.
What are good sibling names for Cedar?
Names that pair well with Cedar as siblings include Juniper, Birch, Willow, Sage, Rowan, and Hazel.
How many syllables does Cedar have?
Cedar has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cedar a common or rare name?
Cedar is an uncommon name, ranked #1203 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Cedar
Cedar is a boy name with American, English, and Middle Eastern origins . The name means "cedar tree, resinous wood" in Greek/Semitic .
Is Cedar a boy or girl name? Cedar is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,203 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,400. Cedar is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cedar is currently ranked #1,203 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cedar has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-EED-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cedar include Ced, Cey, Ceie, and Cedkins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis