Last Name Cedar

The surname "Cedar" is of Old English origin, derived from a topographic name for someone who lived near a cedar tree or trees, or a nickname for a person with blond hair, as the Old English word for 'cedar' was also used to describe light-colored hair. Alternatively, it could be a shortened form of the given name Cedric. However, it's important to note that surnames often have multiple possible origins and regional variations in meaning and usage.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cedar

The meaning and origin of the last name Cedar

The surname Cedar is primarily of English origin and is derived from various sources, often related to geographical locations or occupations. One possible origin is a topographic name for someone who lived near a cedar tree or grove, as the Old English word "cedor" means 'cedar'. Another possibility is an occupational name for a maker of baskets or other containers from willow (the English word 'ceder' also referred to the withies or young shoots used for weaving). The surname Cedar may also have originated as a nickname for someone who was strong, like a cedar tree, or someone who had a characteristic resembling a cedar tree. Throughout history, various branches of the Cedar family have migrated to different parts of the world, contributing to its widespread distribution today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cedar

The surname Cedar is predominantly found in regions with historical ties to the British Isles, particularly England and Scotland. However, it also has notable presence in North America due to immigration waves from the British Isles, primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. In North America, the highest concentrations of individuals bearing the Cedar surname can be found in the United States, especially in states like Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin. The distribution in Canada is also significant, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia. While the surname is less common in other parts of the world, it has been recorded in smaller numbers in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, which also experienced immigration from the British Isles.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cedar

The surname Cedar has various spelling variations, reflecting differences in transcription, pronunciation, and geographical influence over time. Some common versions include:

1. Ceder: This is the original Dutch and Norwegian form of the name.
2. Cedarwood: A more elaborate version, often used as a given name or a surname.
3. Caedor: An ancient British form of the name.
4. Ceidar: The Welsh variation of the name.
5. Keider: This spelling is found in German records.
6. Kiedrowski (Polish), Cedro (Spanish), and Cedrone (Italian) are ethnicized forms of the name, derived from the word "cedar" in those languages.
7. Cyder or Kyder: These variations could have also evolved due to phonetic changes over time or cultural influences.
8. Seder: A Hebrew name that shares similarity with Cedar but has a different etymology and meaning.

Famous people with the last name Cedar

Notable individuals with the surname Cedar include:

1. Edward Cedar (born 1946), an English musician and songwriter, best known as the bassist for The Kinks from 1978 to 1996.
2. Jill Cedar (born 1950), an American actress who has appeared in numerous films and television shows since the late 1970s.
3. Marc Cedar (born 1964), a prominent computer scientist specializing in programming languages and distributed systems, currently at Brown University.
4. Michael Cedar (born 1982), an Israeli politician who served as a member of the Knesset for the Zionist Union from 2015 to 2019.
5. Paulette Cedar (1937-2021), an American actress and comedian, known for her work on television shows like "The Steve Allen Show" and "The Carol Burnett Show."

Genealogical research on the last name Cedar

The surname Cedar, while not as widely dispersed as some other family names, holds a rich history across several countries. Originating from Old English, the name is derived from the Old English word "ceador," meaning keeper or guardian of the forest. In England, early records date back to the 13th century with William le Cedere and Robert le Ceder mentioned in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. The name also emerged independently in France as Cédre and Céder, with similar meanings. Notable figures bearing this surname include Thomas Cedar, a British Member of Parliament in the 18th century, and Benjamin Cedar, an American businessman and mayor of San Francisco in the late 19th century. The name's migration to America is traced back to the 17th and 18th centuries when many English settlers arrived in New England and Virginia, later spreading to other parts of North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cedar"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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