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Hector vs Eric

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

Eric

Boy #252 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ever powerful"

Origin: Old Norse

Cultural Roots

Scandinavian English German French American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#252
Total SSA Count
1,402
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Hector Rank #381
Eric Rank #252

Eric is more popular, ranked #252 vs #381 for Hector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hector or Eric more popular?

Eric is more popular, ranked #252 compared to Hector at #381 in the United States.

What do Hector and Eric mean?

Hector means "to hold fast, to restrain" (Ancient Greek origin). Eric means "ever powerful" (Old Norse origin).

Are Hector and Eric boy or girl names?

Hector is primarily a boy name. Eric is primarily a boy name.

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