All about the name

Hector

Female

« Hector is a male name of Greek origin, derived from 'Ἕκτωρ' meaning "holder" or "possessor", famously associated with the Trojan prince Hector in Homer's Iliad. »

#11855 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Hector is a male given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word 'Ἕκτωρ', which means "holder" or "possessor". The name Hector has a long and rich history, most notably associated with the Trojan prince Hector in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad. In ancient Greek mythology, Hector was the son of King Priam of Troy and his wife Hecuba. He was a brave and skilled warrior who fought against the Greeks during the Trojan War. Despite his heroic efforts to defend his city, Troy ultimately fell due to the cunning of Odysseus and the other Greek heroes. The name Hector has been popular throughout history and has been used by several notable figures in different cultures. For instance, Saint Hector was a French bishop who lived in the 5th century AD, and there were also several medieval kings named Hector in various European countries. Today, Hector remains a strong and distinctive male given name that continues to be chosen by parents around the world. It is often associated with strength, bravery, and nobility due to its historical roots in Greek mythology. Despite its long history, however, the meaning of Hector has not changed: it still signifies a holder or possessor, perhaps indicating that those named Hector are destined to hold onto their values and possess important qualities throughout their lives.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Hector since 1880

Total births
481
Total since 1880
Peak year
1980
21 births
in 2008
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years