The nameHector
Hector is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning "holding fast". The name of the Trojan hero of the Iliad, it is popular in Spain and Latin America.
- Boy's name
- Greek
Meaning
Hector comes from the Greek hektōr, "holding fast, steadfast", from ekhein, "to hold".
Origin
Greek. Hector is the greatest warrior of Troy, killed by Achilles in Homer's Iliad.
History
Hector is common in Spain (Héctor) and Latin America, and in Scotland. It reached the American top 160.
Did you know?
- Hector Berlioz composed his Symphonie fantastique in 1830, the year he won the Prix de Rome.
Famous people named Hector
- Hector, Trojan hero
- Hector Berlioz, composer
- Héctor Bellerín, footballer
- Hector Lavoe, singer
Popularity of the name Hector
Hector in the United States
Hector was most popular in the United States in the 2000s, with 20,897 births over the decade, 19% of all recorded babies named Hector. Its rise began around 1945, and it peaked in 2005. Half of all babies named Hector in the United States were born before 1991. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 874 births a year on average, against 1,073 in the five years before.
Hector in the United Kingdom
Hector was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 1,758 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Hector. Half of all babies named Hector in the United Kingdom were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 174 births a year.
Hector in France
Hector in Belgium
Sibling names for Hector
Names from the same generation as Hector, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Hector? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Hector with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Hector side by side with the name of your choice.
Hector in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hector mean?
Hector comes from the Greek hektōr, "holding fast, steadfast", from ekhein, "to hold".
What is the origin of the name Hector?
Greek. Hector is the greatest warrior of Troy, killed by Achilles in Homer's Iliad.
Is Hector a girl's or a boy's name?
Hector is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Hector?
In 2024, Hector was the 380th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 858 births.
What are good sibling names for Hector?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Catherine, Angela, Angelina and Nadia for a sister, Pedro, Andre, Alex and Damien for a brother.
Who are famous people named Hector?
Hector, Trojan hero; Hector Berlioz, composer; Héctor Bellerín, footballer; Hector Lavoe, singer.