Hector: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced HEK-ter · 2 syllables
Hector means “holding fast; to have, hold”, from Greek and Latin.
From Latin Hector or Ancient Greek (Hektor), from (hektor, “holding fast”), from (ekho, “to have, hold”), from Proto-Indo-European *segh- (“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.
- Meaning
- holding fast; to have, hold
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- HEK-ter
- US rank (2025)
- #409
- US babies a year
- about 860 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2000
- Style
- Mythic
How popular is Hector?
Hector was the #409 name in the US in 2025, given to 779 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 33% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2000.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #409 |
| England & Wales | #269 |
| Scotland | #350 |
| France | #159 |
| Canada | #667 |
| Australia | #600 |
How old are people named Hector?
Half of US adults named Hector are older than 38; most are between 19 and 71. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Hector
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Hector have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Hector
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
- Francisco
- Jorge
- Stefan
- Andre
- Damon
- Antony
- Zachary
- Dimitri
- Markus
- Jared
- Darius
- Christopher
- Damian
- Jesus
- Silvano
- Trevor
On these lists
Questions about Hector
What does the name Hector mean?
Hector means “holding fast; to have, hold”. It comes from Greek and Latin.
How do you pronounce Hector?
Hector is pronounced HEK-ter.
How popular is the name Hector?
Hector was the #409 name in the US in 2025, given to 779 babies. It’s used less than it was: down 33% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2000.
How old are people named Hector?
Half of US adults named Hector are older than 38. Most are between 19 and 71.