Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Hector
BoyGreek· “holding fast”
- Meaning
- holding fast
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- HEK-ter
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #409
- US babies 2025
- 779
- Best rank
- #156 (1990)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Hector
Hector is a Greek name that means “holding fast”.
Hector comes from the Greek Hektor, usually derived from echein, meaning "to hold" or "to have," giving the sense of "holding fast" or "steadfast." In Homer's Iliad, Hector is the eldest son of King Priam and the greatest warrior of Troy, admired even by his enemies for his courage and devotion to his family. The name was used in medieval Europe through the romances of Troy and later became a classic in Spanish-speaking countries as Héctor. In English it has a strong, heroic feel with a slightly old-fashioned charm, and it appeals to parents who love names from ancient epic.
Popularity over time
Hector has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 144 different years. Its best national rank was #156 in 1990, and the most babies received it in 2005, when 2,458 were named Hector. In 2025, 779 babies were named Hector, and it ranked #409 nationally. That is 35% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #573 in 1920, #315 in 1950, #169 in 1980, #185 in 2000, #226 in 2010, and #409 in 2025. Of the 108,728 US boys named Hector since records began, 19% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 19,493 babies. Since 2010, 17,295 more have been named Hector.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Edgar, Ty, Cesar, Manuel, and Fernando.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Hector ranked highest in Texas, Arizona, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #191 | 200 |
| Arizona | #210 | 40 |
| California | #237 | 157 |
| Kansas | #308 | 12 |
| Nevada | #337 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Hector is usually pronounced HEK-ter, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with H and ends in “-or”.
Middle names for Hector
A few middle names that flow with Hector: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Hector
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Lists that include Hector
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Hector mean?
Hector is a Greek name that means “holding fast”.
What is the origin of the name Hector?
Hector has Greek roots. Hector comes from the Greek Hektor, usually derived from echein, meaning "to hold" or "to have," giving the sense of "holding fast" or "steadfast." In Homer's Iliad, Hector is the eldest son of King Priam and the greatest warrior of Troy, admired even by his enemies for his courage and devotion to his family.
Is Hector a popular name?
Yes. Hector ranked #409 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Hector a boy or girl name?
Hector is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Hector?
Hector is usually pronounced HEK-ter. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings