<Page> UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DATE OF REPORT (DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED): AUGUST 30, 2001 CITY NATIONAL CORPORATION -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 1-10521 95-2568550 - ---------------------------- ---------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission file (IRS employer of incorporation) number) identification no.) CITY NATIONAL CENTER 400 NORTH ROXBURY DRIVE, BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA 90210 - ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (310) 888-6000 -------------------- NOT APPLICABLE ------------------------------------------------------------- (former name or former address, if changed since last report) <Page> Item 5. OTHER EVENTS. On August 24, 2001, City National Corporation announced the pricing of $150 million of 10-year subordinated notes offered by its wholly owned subsidiary, City National Bank. Item 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits. 99.1 Press release dated August 24, 2001 announcing the pricing of $150 million of 10-year subordinated notes offered by its wholly owned subsidiary, City National Bank. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. CITY NATIONAL CORPORATION August 30, 2001 /s/ FRANK P. PEKNY ------------------------------------ Frank P. Pekny Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer (Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)