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Derek vs Hector

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Hector

Boy #381 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"to hold fast, to restrain"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Cultural Roots

Greek Spanish Latin American English

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#381
Total SSA Count
858
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Derek Rank #258
Hector Rank #381

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 vs #381 for Hector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Derek or Hector more popular?

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 compared to Hector at #381 in the United States.

What do Derek and Hector mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Hector means "to hold fast, to restrain" (Ancient Greek origin).

Are Derek and Hector boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Hector is primarily a boy name.

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