Meaning & History
Cédric is the French form of Cedric, a name with a fascinating literary and historical background.
Etymology and Origin
Sir Walter Scott invented the name Cedric for his 1819 novel Ivanhoe, basing it on the Old English name Cerdic. Cerdic was the semi-legendary founder of the Kingdom of Wessex in the 6th century. The meaning of Cerdic is uncertain but may derive from the Brythonic name Caratācos, meaning "beloved." The French form, Cédric, adapts the name to French orthography with an accent aigu over the 'e,' while a variant Cédrick also exists.
Notable Bearers
The name Cedric gained widespread popularity after its use in Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1886 novel Little Lord Fauntleroy, whose protagonist is Cedric Errol. This book created a sensation, causing a fashion trend in boys' formal wear and popularizing the name. Among notable bearers of the French form are Cédric Villani (born 1973), a French mathematician and Fields Medal winner; Cédric Kahn (born 1966), a French film director and screenwriter; and Cédric Carrasso (born 1981), a French football goalkeeper.
Cultural Significance
The name's literary origins from two popular 19th-century works (Scott's historical novel and Burnett's children's book) have made it a classic. In French-speaking countries, Cédric remains a moderately common given name for boys.
- Meaning: Invented by Sir Walter Scott, possibly meaning "beloved" through its Brythonic connection.
- Origin: Invented name based on Old English Cerdic.
- Type: Given name (male).
- Usage regions: French, French-speaking countries.
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Cedric