Cedric \ce(d)-ric\ as a boy's name is pronounced SED-rik. It is of Old English origin, and the meaning of Cedric is "kindly and loved". The name was invented by Sir Walter Scott for the character Cedric of Rotherwood in the book "Ivanhoe" (1819). It appears to be from Cerdic, the name of the traditional founder of the kingdom of Wessex. Cerdic was a Saxon, and his name could also have been of Germanic origin, though it is uncertain. However Cedric can also be associated with the Welsh name Cedrych meaning "pattern of bounty". The name later acquired a "sissy" image due to Cedric Errol Fauntleroy, the long-haired, velvet-suited boy hero of Frances Hodgson Burnett's 1886 novel "Little Lord Fauntleroy". See also Kedrick. Actor Sir Cedric Hardwicke; Cedric the Comedian.

Cedric has 11 variant forms: Caddaric, Ced, Cedrick, Cedrik, Cedro, Rick, Rickey, Ricky, Sedric, Sedrick and Sedrik.

Baby names that sound like Cedric are Stark, Starke and Starck.