Hector
Hector is a boys' name of Greek origin meaning “holding fast, steadfast defender.” It ranked #258 in the United States in 2025. Hector was Troy's greatest warrior and its most noble hero in Homer's Iliad.
how do you pronounce Hector?
HEK-tor
Hear it spoken aloud with our AI pronunciation tool.
what does Hector mean?
The name Hector means “holding fast, steadfast defender.” It comes from the Greek language tradition.
Hector was Troy's greatest warrior and its most noble hero in Homer's Iliad. 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?
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2024 | #258 |
| 2023 | #249 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset
who are famous people named Hector?
- Hector Berlioz (French Romantic composer)
- Hector Elizondo (acclaimed American actor)
what names are similar to Hector?
Last reviewed April 30, 2026 · Curated by HushName editorial
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