"to hold fast, to restrain"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
Hector
Pronunciation: [ h-EHKT-er ]
Does Hector flow with your last name?
Troy's greatest defender — noble, brave, and eternally beloved
Greek
Spanish
Latin American
English
Classic
Strong
Bold
Traditional
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"steadfast defender"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Hector first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 100,820 babies have been named Hector in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Hector is past its peak , currently ranked #381 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#381
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1990
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Hector
H
Hector Lavoe
Musician
1946
Puerto Rican salsa singer known as El Cantante de los Cantantes (The Singer of Singers)
H
Hector Berlioz
Musician
1803
French Romantic composer known for Symphonie Fantastique, one of the most innovative orchestral works ever written
H
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
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Hector
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Hector is also used as a girl name, ranked #19377.
View Hector as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis