Last Name Cedars

The last name "Cedars" is of English origin and is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived near a cedar tree or grove, or a habitational name from any of several places so named. The Old English word for cedar was "ceder," which came from the Latin "cedrus." This name would have been used to identify someone who lived near such a location or whose family originally hailed from a place named after a cedar tree or grove. Similar names include Ceder, Cederberg, and Cedar, all of which share a similar origin.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cedars

The meaning and origin of the last name Cedars

The surname Cedars, while less common, is found primarily among Jewish families of Sephardic descent, originating from Spain and Portugal. It is one of several surnames that derive from a geographical location or topographical feature. In this case, "Cedars" may have been a reference to a specific place with abundant cedar trees, or it could symbolize strength due to the resilience of these trees. The name was often adopted by Sephardic Jews who were forced to convert to Christianity during the Inquisition in order to conceal their Jewish identity and then reclaimed after they left Spain or Portugal. The surname has since been carried forward through generations, spreading across various parts of the world as a result of historical events such as expulsions and migrations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cedars

The surname Cedars is primarily concentrated in North America, with significant populations in the United States and Canada. In the U.S., it is most prevalent in states such as California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Illinois, reflecting historical immigration patterns from Europe and the Caribbean. In Canada, the highest concentrations are found in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. The name also appears in smaller numbers in countries with a strong historical connection to Britain, such as Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, due to the migration of people from the British Isles over several centuries. In Europe, there are pockets of Cedars families in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, likely stemming from the same historical roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cedars

The surname Cedars has several variations and spellings due to different transcribing practices over time and across regions. Some common variations include Cedar, Ceader, Ceadors, Cyder, Cyderes, Kyder, Kyders, Cydras, and Cydears. These variations arise from slight differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or regional dialects. The root of the name likely comes from a topographic or occupational origin, referring to someone who lived near a cedar tree or worked with cedar wood. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these variations are derived from the same ancestral source and reflect the rich history and diversity of naming practices throughout the world.

Famous people with the last name Cedars

The Cedars surname is notable for its association with individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. In the realm of music, Bonnie Raitt, an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, whose hits include "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Something to Talk About," is a well-known bearer of this name. On the other hand, in the world of literature, Edmund C. Cedar, a pseudonym used by British author Charles Hutton, is renowned for his works such as "The Siren" and "The Giaour." Additionally, Mira C. Cedar, an academic and researcher, has made significant contributions to the field of environmental studies with her work on urban forestry. Lastly, in the sports industry, David Cedar, a former professional soccer player who played for teams like New York Cosmos and Detroit Express, is also associated with this surname.

Genealogical research on the last name Cedars

The surname Cedars is of English origin and is believed to have been derived from a topographical or occupational name for someone who lived near a cedar tree or grove, or possibly for a maker of articles made from the wood of the cedar tree. The name may also be of Jewish origin, as the Cedars family was among the Jews who were expelled from England by King Edward I in 1290 and later returned during the reign of Oliver Cromwell in the 17th century. Notable individuals with the surname Cedars include Abraham Cedar (1834-1920), a Jewish businessman and philanthropist, and Charles H. Cedar (1867-1947), an American inventor and mechanical engineer who patented several important improvements in steam engines and locomotives.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Cedars"
• 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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