Boy · 193rd of 24,088
Hector
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
108,418
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2005
Peak Popularity Year
2,458
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Hector stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Hector has Greek origins, meaning 'holding fast'. It evolved through Ancient Greek and Latin into modern forms. It is associated with traits of strength and bravery and has no biblical relevance. Hector gained popularity during the Renaissance due to classical influences.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈhɛk.tər/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Hector derives from the Greek name 'Hektōr', which means 'holding fast' or 'to hold'. In Greek mythology, Hector was a Trojan prince and the greatest warrior for Troy in the Trojan War.
Meaning
holding fast
Language Evolution
Hektōr (Ancient Greek), Hector (Latin), Hector (Old French)
Historical Usage
Hector gained popularity during the Renaissance, influenced by classical literature and the revival of interest in Greek mythology.
Variants & Derivatives
Hectore, Hectór, Heath, Hec, Hect
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Hector is perceived as a strong and noble name, often associated with bravery and heroism due to its mythological roots.
Famous People
Hector Berlioz, French composer, Hector Salamanca, fictional character from Breaking Bad, Hector Ruiz, American businessman
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,458 peak births in 2005
Geographic Spread
Popular across 43 US states, with strongest presence in Arizona
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 573rd of 7545 | 1,903 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 423rd of 6773 | 3,474 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 278th of 7552 | 13,221 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 210th of 10718 | 18,585 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 174th of 16616 | 27,550 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 193rd of 24088 | 30,781 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 326th of 23106 | 12,206 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6870th of 12526 | 53 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4971st of 19264 | 173 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 5726th of 27321 | 228 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 24522nd of 35406 | 22 |