Cedar

Pronunciation: [ s-EED-er ]

Boy Name #1,203 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Ancient, sacred, and rooted in the natural world

American English Middle Eastern

Earthy Unique Minimalist Whimsical

Meaning & Origin

"cedar tree, resinous wood"

Origin: Greek/Semitic

Language: English

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.

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

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 Cedie

Pairs Well With

Cedar James Cedar Lake Cedar Stone Cedar River Cedar Finn Cedar Wolf

Sibling Names

Juniper Birch Willow Sage Rowan Hazel

Also a Girl Name

Cedar is also used as a girl name, ranked #2400.

View Cedar as a girl name →

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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, and Cedie.

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, and Cedie. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.