Rising since 1985, #1,244 for boys today.
Popularity of Cedar since 1972
Babies named Cedar per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 68 | 75 |
| 1980s | 100 | 85 |
| 1990s | 136 | 143 |
| 2000s | 263 | 339 |
| 2010s | 450 | 1,000 |
| 2020s | 445 | 987 |
Meaning & origin
Cedar is a nature name that has grown steadily in use since first appearing on U.S. birth records in 1972. Its popularity has been rising since 1985, and it reached its peak rank so far in 2022. The name is particularly favored in the Pacific Northwest, with top states including Oregon, Idaho, and Washington. As a unisex choice, Cedar fits within the broader trend of botanical names like Willow and Jasper. Its simple, strong sound and connection to the sturdy, aromatic tree give it a grounded appeal. Despite never cracking the top 1000 until recently, Cedar's steady climb reflects a lasting interest in names drawn from the natural world.
Cedar is taken directly from the name of the tree, which derives from Old English 'ceder', from Latin 'cedrus', from Greek 'kedros'. The tree name has been used as a given name since the 20th century, part of the trend of nature-inspired names. It gained popularity in the United States from the 1970s onward.
Where Cedar is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cee, Ced
Variants: Cedrus
Sibling names for Cedar
Names that share Cedar's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Willow, Hazel, Fern, Juniper, Sage, Aspen, Briar, Cattleya, Cinnamon, Ember, Holley, Maple, Raine, Sequoia, Arbor, Breeze, Harvest, Hollye, November, Rainbow, Saffron, Trellis, Arbutus, Dulse, Faun, Mahagony, Orchid, Vanilla, Zamia, Kerria, Azaylie, Dreamer, Embyr, Evergreen, Kauri, Oaklei, Sorrel, Timberlee
Brothers: Rowan, Jasper, Phoenix, Kai, Orion, Alder, Bracken, Brier, Oak, Oaklen, Thorne, Banyan, Birch, Finch, Oakes, Oaks, Oaken, Hawthorn, Karmel, Leaf, Yarrow
