Hector
Hector: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhɛktə/ · /ˈhɛktɚ/
Meaning and origin of Hector
Root meaning: “to hold; to overpower”
- A male given name from Ancient Greek.
Etymology
From Latin Hectōr or Ancient Greek Ἕκτωρ (Héktōr), from ἕκτωρ (héktōr, “holding fast”), from ἔχω (ékhō, “to have, hold”), from Proto-Indo-European *seǵʰ- (“to hold; to overpower”). Sometimes used as an anglicization of various Scottish Gaelic names, including Eachann and Eochaid. The thundercloud cluster was named by pilots during the Second World War.
How popular is Hector?
Since 1880, 481 girls and 108,728 boys in the U.S. have been named Hector (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #3605 in 1974. Its highest rank for boys was #156 in 1990. In 2025 it ranked #409 for boys, with 779 babies given the name.
More Greek boy names
Sibling name ideas for Hector
Sister and brother names that share Hector's Greek roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Hector FAQ
What does the name Hector mean?
Hector traces back to a root meaning "to hold; to overpower". A male given name from Ancient Greek. From Latin Hectōr or Ancient Greek Ἕκτωρ (Héktōr), from ἕκτωρ (héktōr, “holding fast”), from ἔχω (ékhō, “to have, hold”), from Proto-Indo-European *seǵʰ- (“to hold; to overpower”). Sometimes used as an anglicization of various Scottish Gaelic names, including Eachann and Eochaid. The thundercloud cluster was named by pilots during the Second World War.
What is the origin of the name Hector?
Hector is listed as a name of Greek origin.
How popular is the name Hector?
Since 1880, 481 girls and 108,728 boys in the U.S. have been named Hector (0% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #3605 in 1974. Its highest rank for boys was #156 in 1990. In 2025 it ranked #409 for boys, with 779 babies given the name.
Is Hector a boy or girl name?
Hector is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 481 girls and 108,728 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.