Hector
Hector is a boys' name of Greek origin meaning “holding fast, steadfast defender.” It ranked #409 in the United States in 2025. Hector was Troy's greatest warrior and its most noble hero in Homer's Iliad.
Torn between Hector and another name? Ask family and friends to vote
how do you pronounce Hector?
HEK-tor
where does the name Hector come from?
From Hektōr, the Trojan champion killed by Achilles, from a Greek root meaning to have, hold, check or restrain. In Scotland it sometimes anglicizes the Gaelic Eachann, with the pet form Heckie.
Unlike the wrathful Achilles, Hector fought not for glory but to protect his family and city, making him the archetype of the devoted father, husband, and defender in Western literature.
how popular is this name?
Hector has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 144 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 2. It peaked at #156 in 1990, and ranked #409 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #409 |
| 2024 | #379 |
| 2023 | #384 |
| 2022 | #355 |
| 2021 | #361 |
| 2020 | #365 |
| 2019 | #341 |
| 2018 | #331 |
| 2017 | #318 |
| 2016 | #319 |
| 2010 | #226 |
| 2000 | #185 |
| 1990 | #156 |
| 1980 | #169 |
| 1970 | #220 |
| 1960 | #271 |
| 1950 | #315 |
| 1940 | #422 |
| 1930 | #420 |
| 1920 | #573 |
| 1910 | #707 |
| 1900 | #555 |
| 1890 | #884 |
| 1880 | #465 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Hector fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Hector
Sir Ector, foster father of King Arthur, bears a form of the same name. During the Second World War, Allied pilots named a recurring thundercloud cluster Hector.
who are famous people named Hector?
- Hector Berlioz (French Romantic composer)
- Hector Elizondo (acclaimed American actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Hector?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Hector?
what names go well with Hector?
Sibling names that share Hector's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Hector
What does the name Hector mean?
Hector means “holding fast, steadfast defender”.
What is the origin of the name Hector?
Hector comes from the Greek naming tradition. Related forms include Ector.
How popular is the name Hector?
Hector ranked #409 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 1990, at #156, and it has spent 144 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Hector a boy or girl name?
Hector is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Hector?
Hector is pronounced HEK-tor, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
love Hector? get 10 more names curated for your family.
Popularity rankings and meanings are just the starting point. Our AI consultant finds names that match your heritage, style, and what matters most to you.
Completely free. No credit card required.
Start your free session