By Editorial Team / September 30, 2026
Cedar is a distinguished, gender-neutral name of English and Greek origin meaning “cedar tree” or “evergreen.” Revered across ancient civilizations for its strength, aromatic wood, and majestic stature, Cedar stands out as a strong, grounding botanical name. It effortlessly balances ancient spiritual heritage with a crisp, modern aesthetic.
Cedar Name Meaning at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Cedar |
| Gender | Gender-Neutral (Unisex) |
| Origin | Greek / Old French / English |
| Meaning | Cedar Tree / Evergreen / Strength & Protection |
| Pronunciation | SEE-der (/ˈsiː.dər/) |
| Syllables | 2 |
| US Popularity Rank | Top 600 (Boys) / Top 900 (Girls) |
| Related Names | Cypress, Birch, Forest, Pine, Rowan |
| Common Nicknames | Cece, Ceddy, Dare, Reed, Ced |
How Popular Is The Name Cedar? (Popularity Context)
The Bump & Global Ranking
- Overall: Cedar has gained steady momentum as part of the broader rise in tree-inspired and woodland baby names.
- Gender Distribution: Fully gender-neutral. It ranks higher as a masculine choice in North America, while enjoying a growing niche as a sleek feminine name.
U.S. Births & Trends
- Trend Analysis: Cedar began its modern upward trajectory in the mid-2010s, appealing to parents looking for an earthy alternative to Oliver, River, or Jasper.
- Yearly Ranking Change: Climbed into the top 600 for boys and entered the top 1000 for girls in the United States by 2026.
U.S. Name Rank Trend (2020–2026)
- 2020: #750 (Boys)
- 2022: #680 (Boys)
- 2024: #590 (Boys)
- 2025: #530 (Boys)
- 2026: #475 (Boys)
What Does the Name Cedar Mean?
The name Cedar carries rich botanical, historical, and sacred significance:
- Etymological Roots: Derived from the Ancient Greek word kédros (κέδρος), which passed into Latin as cedrus and Old French as cedre.
- Symbol of Incorruptibility: Cedar trees are famous for their durable, fragrant, and weather-resistant wood. Historically, the tree represents resilience, longevity, and endurance.
- Spiritual & Sacred Heritage: In ancient Mediterranean cultures, cedar was used in sacred architecture, including King Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing honor, protection, and elevated stature.
Combined, Cedar represents “enduring strength, incorruptible spirit, shelter, and natural majesty,” making it a powerful choice for parents seeking an organic name with deep historical roots.
Cedar Name Origin
Cedar entered English usage as a vocabulary word denoting trees belonging to the Cedrus genus, most famously the Cedar of Lebanon. As a personal name, Cedar emerged during the late 20th century alongside the modern environmental movement and the popularity of botanical names like Sage, Willow, and Birch.
Its international appeal spans North America, the UK, Australia, and Scandinavia, praised for its clean phonetic structure and ties to nature.
Is Cedar a Biblical Name?
While Cedar does not appear as a person’s name in scripture, the cedar tree is one of the most frequently mentioned plants in the Bible:
- The Cedars of Lebanon: Mentioned over 70 times in sacred texts as symbols of greatness, majestic growth, and divine blessing (Psalm 92:12: “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon”).
- Sacred Architecture: Cedar wood was chosen for constructing sacred structures, including the Ark of the Covenant, the First Temple built by Solomon, and royal palaces, representing purity and permanence.
How Do You Pronounce Cedar?
Cedar is pronounced:
SEE-der
- Phonetic spelling:
/ˈsiː.dər/ - Syllable count: 2 syllables
- Emphasis: Placed on the first syllable (SEE)
Pronunciation Variations
- American / English:
SEE-der - British / Australian:
SEE-duh(with a soft, non-rhotic ending)
Common Nicknames for Cedar
- Cece / Cee — A soft, classic phonetic diminutive
- Ceddy — A cozy, vintage-leaning nickname
- Reed — An inventive anagram-style shorthand
- Dare — A bold, contemporary choice using the ending syllable
Cedar Name Variations
- Cedrus — Botanical Latin origin form
- Kedros — Ancient Greek root spelling
- Cedric — Traditional Celtic/English name (distinct etymology, but similar phonetic feel)
- Cédre — Elegant French spelling variant
Famous People Named Cedar
- Cedar Walton: Influential American jazz pianist and composer (Hard Bop legend).
- Cedar Paul: British translator, writer, and journalist.
- Cedar Wright: Professional rock climber, filmmaker, and National Geographic explorer.
Cedar in Pop Culture
- National Symbolism: The Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani) is the official national emblem of Lebanon, featured prominently on its flag.
- Literature & Fantasy: Frequently used in modern fantasy and eco-fiction as a name for grounded, wise characters tied to forest realms.
Parents Who Like the Name Cedar Also Like:
- River
- Forest
- Rowan
- Birch
- Cypress
- Jasper
- Shiloh
- Aspen
Names Like Cedar
Botanical & Tree-Inspired Names
- Alder
- Cypress
- Linden
- Sylvan
- Hollis
Grounded Unisex Names
- River
- Sage
- Prairie
- Ocean
- Kai
Choosing a Middle Name for Cedar
Because Cedar is a two-syllable name ending in a soft consonant sound, it pairs exceptionally well with crisp one-syllable or flowing three-syllable middle names:
Middle Name Ideas (Masculine / Unisex Pairings)
- Cedar James
- Cedar Jude
- Cedar Alexander
- Cedar Wilder
- Cedar Elias
- Cedar Hayes
Middle Name Ideas (Feminine Pairings)
- Cedar Rose
- Cedar Maeve
- Cedar Evangeline
- Cedar Grace
- Cedar Iris
- Cedar Louise
Naming a Sibling for Cedar?
Sister Names for Cedar
- Willow
- Hazel
- Juniper
- Opal
- Freya
Brother Names for Cedar
- Rowan
- Silas
- August
- Felix
- Milo
Baby Name Lists Including Cedar
- Top Botanical & Tree-Inspired Baby Names
- Strong Gender-Neutral Names With Historical Roots
- Earthy & Nature Baby Names Rising on the Charts
- Sacred & Biblical Botanical Names
Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar
What does the name Cedar mean?
Cedar is an English name derived from Greek kédros, referring to the cedar tree. It symbolizes strength, protection, and endurance.
Is Cedar a unisex name?
Yes, Cedar is a gender-neutral name used for both boys and girls, though it currently ranks higher on boys’ baby name charts in the U.S.
What is the spiritual meaning of the cedar tree?
In biblical and ancient Mediterranean lore, the cedar tree represents majesty, incorruptibility, divine blessing, and resilience.
How do you pronounce the name Cedar?
It is pronounced SEE-der (/ˈsiː.dər/), with stress on the first syllable (SEE).
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