'cedar' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cedrus', where 'cedrus' referred to the cedar tree; the Latin term in turn comes from Greek 'kédros'.

'cedar' changed from Greek 'kédros' to Latin 'cedrus', entered Old English as 'ceder' (or similar forms), and eventually became the modern English word 'cedar'.

Initially it meant 'the cedar tree' in ancient languages; over time the sense broadened in English to include both the tree and the wood/material derived from it.