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Hector

♂ Boy

Pronounced HEK-tor /ˈhɛk.tər/High

Meaning: From Greek Hektor, possibly from ekhein meaning to hold fast or to restrain; the greatest Trojan hero of Homer's IliadHigh

In 30 seconds: Hector is the noble name of Troy's greatest warrior — a man of honor, courage, and family love — and a time-honored choice across Hispanic communities and beyond.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek Hektor, possibly from ekhein meaning to hold fast or to restrain; the greatest Trojan hero of Homer's Iliad
U.S. rank (2025)#409 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births779 boys (0.04% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2005
Total births (all-time)≈ 108,716

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200518802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Hector comes from Greek Hektor, possibly derived from ekhein (to hold, restrain). In the Iliad, Hector was the Trojan prince and greatest warrior of Troy, son of Priam and Hecuba.

The name has been used in Scotland (through the clan Maclain) and is widely popular in Hispanic communities across Latin America and the United States.

Did you know? In Homer's Iliad, Hector is portrayed as the moral center of the Trojan War — more honorable than Achilles in many respects — making his name a symbol of martial virtue and paternal devotion.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Hector — etymology and mythological historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

HektorEttore

Nicknames

Hec

Famous Bearers

  • ★Hector (Iliad) (mythological)
    Greatest Trojan warrior in Homer's Iliad; prince of Troy, defender of his city and family.
  • ★Hector Berlioz (1803–1869)
    French Romantic composer, creator of the Symphonie fantastique.

If you like Hector…

Achilles— shares the Homeric Trojan War heroic pedigree and timeless mythological power
Ajax— another great Greek warrior name from the Iliad cycle
Troy— the city-name counterpart to the Trojan hero narrative
Victor— shares the triumphant, strong Latin meaning and similar heroic masculine energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Hector mean?

Hector likely means to hold fast or restrain from Greek ekhein; he was Troy's greatest warrior in Homer's Iliad.

How do you pronounce Hector?

It is said HEK-tor /ˈhɛk.tər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Hector popular in Hispanic communities?

Yes, Hector is widely used across Latin America and in U.S. Hispanic communities.

Who was the mythological Hector?

Hector was the Trojan prince and greatest warrior in Homer's Iliad, known for his honor and love of family.