Hector

Pronunciation: [ h-EHKT-er ]

Boy Name #381 Most Popular Steady 2 Syllables

Troy's greatest defender — noble, brave, and eternally beloved

Greek Spanish Latin American English

Classic Strong Bold Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"to hold fast, to restrain"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Language: Greek

"steadfast defender"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Language: English

The Story of Hector

Hector derives from the Greek Hektor, meaning to hold fast or to restrain, from the verb ekhein. In Greek mythology, Hector was the greatest Trojan warrior, son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, and the primary defender of Troy against the Greek army in Homer's Iliad (c. 800 BC). He is widely considered the noblest and most sympathetic hero in all of Homer — a warrior who fights not for glory but to protect his home and family.

Hector has been consistently popular in Spanish-speaking countries and communities for centuries. In the US, it has been a top name in Hispanic households for decades. The name's classical Greek roots give it an intergenerational status that has helped it endure across both Latin and Anglo culture.

In Homer's Iliad, Hector is the moral center of the epic — a devoted husband to Andromache, a loving father to his son Astyanax, and a warrior of unimpeachable honor. He is the only major hero on either side described with such domestic tenderness. This moral nobility has kept the name prestigious for nearly 3,000 years.

Fun Facts

Hector is the greatest warrior of Troy in Homer's Iliad, written around 800 BC — the most heroic figure on either side of the war
In the Iliad, Hector says goodbye to his wife and infant son before his final battle with Achilles in one of literature's most moving scenes
Hector is consistently a top-20 name for boys in Mexico and among Mexican-Americans in the US

Hector in Other Languages

Greek Ektor

French Hector

Italian Ettore

Russian Gektor

Spanish Hector

Famous People Named Hector

Hector Lavoe

Musician

1946

Puerto Rican salsa singer known as El Cantante de los Cantantes (The Singer of Singers)

Hector Berlioz

Musician

1803

French Romantic composer known for Symphonie Fantastique, one of the most innovative orchestral works ever written

Hector (Trojan hero) Fictional

Military

Greatest warrior of Troy in Homer's Iliad, son of King Priam and Hecuba, husband of Andromache — the noblest hero of the...

Greatest warrior of Troy in Homer's Iliad, son of King Priam and Hecuba, husband of Andromache — the noblest hero of the ancient world's greatest epic

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #381
Total SSA Count: 858
Cultural Origins: Greek Spanish Latin American English
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Hec

Pairs Well With

Hector James Hector Luis Hector Miguel Hector Ramon Hector Antonio Hector Eduardo Hector Ignacio

Sibling Names

Carlos Diego Marco Lucia Valentina Sofia Rodrigo

Also a Girl Name

Hector is also used as a girl name, ranked #19377.

View Hector as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hector

What does the name Hector mean?

"to hold fast, to restrain" (from Ancient Greek). "steadfast defender" (from Ancient Greek). Hector derives from the Greek Hektor, meaning to hold fast or to restrain, from the verb ekhein. In Greek mythology, Hector was the greatest Trojan warrior, son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba, and the primary defender of Troy against the Greek army in Homer's Iliad (c. 800 BC). He is widely considered the noblest and most sympathetic hero in all of Homer — a warrior who fights not for glory but to protect his home and family.

What is the origin of the name Hector?

Hector has Ancient Greek, Greek, Spanish, Latin American, and English origins. In Ancient Greek, it means "to hold fast, to restrain". In Ancient Greek, it means "steadfast defender".

Is Hector a boy or girl name?

Hector is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #381. As a girl name, it is ranked #19377. Hector is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Hector?

Hector is pronounced h-EHKT-er.

How popular is the name Hector?

Hector is currently ranked #381 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Hector?

Common nicknames for Hector include Hec.

What are good middle names for Hector?

Popular middle name pairings include Hector James, Hector Luis, Hector Miguel, Hector Ramon, Hector Antonio, Hector Eduardo, and Hector Ignacio.

What are good sibling names for Hector?

Names that pair well with Hector as siblings include Carlos, Diego, Marco, Lucia, Valentina, Sofia, and Rodrigo.

How many syllables does Hector have?

Hector has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Hector a common or rare name?

Hector is a popular name, ranked #381 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.

About the Name Hector

Hector is a boy name with Greek, Spanish, Latin American, and English origins . The name means "to hold fast, to restrain" in Ancient Greek .

Is Hector a boy or girl name? Hector is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #381 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #19,377. Hector is more commonly used as a boy name.

Hector is currently ranked #381 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Hector has 2 syllables and is pronounced h-EHKT-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Hector include Hec. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.