Last Name Cedric

Learn more about the origin of the last name Cedric

The meaning and origin of the last name Cedric

The surname Cedric is of Old English origin, derived from the given name Cedric, which itself means "bold and noble ruler" or "glorious ruler". The name is composed of two elements: "cead", meaning "bold" or "hardy", and "ric", denoting a ruler or powerful leader. The Old English spelling of the name was Cyndryc, later evolving into Cedric during Middle English times.

The name gained popularity in the 9th century with the introduction of the legendary character Cedric the Saxon from the medieval romance "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". As a surname, it first appeared in the British Isles during the High Middle Ages (1100-1300 AD), and has since been recorded in various spellings including Cedryk, Cydrick, and Sedrick. Today, the name Cedric can be found among families of English, Scottish, Irish, and Norman descent.

Geographical distribution of the last name Cedric

The surname Cedric is predominantly of French and British origin, stemming from the Old Celtic name "Cadoc," meaning battle-bold or combat-like. Its frequency varies significantly across the globe. In England, it is most common in the southwestern counties, particularly Cornwall, due to historical Breton influences. In France, it can be found predominantly in the Brittany region, reflecting similar historical connections. The name also has a presence in Wales and Scotland, though less so than its Anglo-Celtic neighbors. Emigration patterns from these regions have led to the spread of the surname Cedric across the British Commonwealth, notably in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. In the United States, it is most prevalent in states with a strong European immigration history, such as Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Overall, while its frequency may be limited compared to some other surnames, the geographical distribution of Cedric offers insights into historical migration patterns and cultural influences.

Variants and spellings of the last name Cedric

The surname Cedric has several variations and spellings. These include Cedaric, Sedric, Saedric, Seadric, Sedrick, Ceadric, and Ceidric. Each of these variants represents a slight alteration in the spelling of the original name, which is thought to derive from Old English or Old Celtic roots. The Old English form of the name is often traced back to "Ceodric," meaning "powerful in battle" or "spear-ruler." Additionally, there may be regional differences in spelling due to migration patterns over time and cultural influences. Despite these variations, all forms of the name maintain a sense of strength and valor that have been associated with the name for centuries.

Famous people with the last name Cedric

Notable individuals bearing the surname Cedric include Cedric the Entertainer (Cedric Antonio Kyles), an American comedian, actor, and television host who gained fame for his work on the Fox-TV comedy series "The Steve Harvey Show" and hosting BET's "The Comedy Gala." Another significant figure is Cedric Hardwick, a British Conservative politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead from 1987 to 2005. In the realm of academia, Cedric Bretton (1865–1943) was an English philologist and literary scholar known for his work on Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse literature. Additionally, there is Sir Cedric Bell (1878–1964), a Scottish architect who contributed to the development of modernist architecture in Scotland during the early 20th century.

Genealogical research on the last name Cedric

The surname Cedric originates from Old English and Old Norse roots, with the earliest recorded instances dating back to the Middle Ages in England. The name is derived from two elements: "ceor" meaning heart or courage, and "ric" denoting power or ruler, suggesting a warrior or nobleman of great valor. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation have evolved with variations such as Cedarick, Cederic, Cedrys, and others. Notable individuals bearing this name include Saint Cedd, an Anglo-Saxon bishop who introduced Christianity to East Anglia in the 7th century; Sir Cedric Morris, a British artist, gardener, and writer; and Cedric Hardwick, a prominent English cricketer from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Cedric lineage can be traced through records of births, marriages, and deaths in various regions of England, with strong concentrations in Kent, Yorkshire, and Wiltshire.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

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

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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 : 15 June 2025