Cedar

Pronunciation: [ s-EED-er ]

Girl Name #2,400 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A nature name as strong and aromatic as the ancient cedar tree

American English Nature-inspired

Earthy Unique Modern Whimsical Bold

Meaning & Origin

"cedar tree"

Origin: Greek via English

Language: English

"strong, aromatic wood"

Origin: Latin cedrus

Language: English

The Story of Cedar

Cedar derives from the ancient Greek 'kedros' (κέδρος), referring to the cedar tree, which entered English through Latin 'cedrus.' Cedar trees have held sacred significance across many ancient cultures — the Cedars of Lebanon are mentioned over 70 times in the Bible, used to build Solomon's Temple. The wood is prized for its distinctive aromatic scent, durability, and resistance to decay.

Cedar is part of the nature name revival that has accelerated since the 2000s. Names like Ivy, Willow, Hazel, and Juniper have paved the way for more unusual botanical names. Cedar's strength and aromatic associations make it particularly appealing to outdoors-oriented and environmentally conscious parents.

The cedar tree holds deep spiritual significance in cultures from Lebanon to Native American traditions. The Western Red Cedar is sacred to Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples, used for everything from canoes to ceremony. In the Bible, cedars symbolize strength, nobility, and prosperity.

Fun Facts

The Cedars of Lebanon were so famous in antiquity that they appear on the Lebanese national flag
Cedar wood has natural preservative properties — ancient Egyptians used cedar resin in mummification processes

Cedar in Other Languages

Greek Κέδρος

Latin Cedrus

Arabic أرز

French Cèdre

Hebrew ארז

Famous People Named Cedar

Cedar Lee

Other

Stage name adopted by various artists celebrating the strength and naturalness associated with the cedar tree

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,400
Total SSA Count: 76
Cultural Origins: American English Nature-inspired
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Casual
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Ced

Pairs Well With

Cedar Rose Cedar June Cedar Mae Cedar Ann Cedar Belle Cedar Wren Cedar Sky

Sibling Names

Birch Fern Hazel Sage River Rowan Juniper

Also a Boy Name

Cedar is also used as a boy name, ranked #1203.

View Cedar as a boy name →

Similar Names

Klover

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar

What does the name Cedar mean?

"cedar tree" (from Greek via English). "strong, aromatic wood" (from Latin cedrus). Cedar derives from the ancient Greek 'kedros' (κέδρος), referring to the cedar tree, which entered English through Latin 'cedrus.' Cedar trees have held sacred significance across many ancient cultures — the Cedars of Lebanon are mentioned over 70 times in the Bible, used to build Solomon's Temple. The wood is prized for its distinctive aromatic scent, durability, and resistance to decay.

What is the origin of the name Cedar?

Cedar has Greek via English, Latin cedrus, American, English, and Nature-inspired origins. In Greek via English, it means "cedar tree". In Latin cedrus, it means "strong, aromatic wood".

Is Cedar a boy or girl name?

Cedar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2400. As a boy name, it is ranked #1203. 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 #2400 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Cedar?

Common nicknames for Cedar include Ced.

What are good middle names for Cedar?

Popular middle name pairings include Cedar Rose, Cedar June, Cedar Mae, Cedar Ann, Cedar Belle, Cedar Wren, and Cedar Sky.

What are good sibling names for Cedar?

Names that pair well with Cedar as siblings include Birch, Fern, Hazel, Sage, River, Rowan, and Juniper.

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 #2400 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Cedar

Cedar is a girl name with American, English, and Nature-inspired origins . The name means "cedar tree" in Greek via English .

Is Cedar a boy or girl name? Cedar is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,400 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,203. Cedar is more commonly used as a boy name.

Cedar is currently ranked #2,400 in popularity for girl 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. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.