"cedar tree"
Origin: Greek via English
Language: English
Cedar
Pronunciation: [ s-EED-er ]
Does Cedar flow with your last name?
A nature name as strong and aromatic as the ancient cedar tree
American
English
Nature-inspired
Earthy
Unique
Modern
Whimsical
Bold
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Meaning & Origin
"strong, aromatic wood"
Origin: Latin cedrus
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Cedar first appeared in US Social Security records in 1974.
Over 1,402 babies have been named Cedar in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cedar is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,400 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,400
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cedar
C
Cedar Lee
Other
Stage name adopted by various artists celebrating the strength and naturalness associated with the cedar tree
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See all →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
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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cedar
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Cedar is also used as a boy name, ranked #1203.
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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.
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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