Rector is an occupational surname derived from Latin roots, meaning "ruler" or "director". It entered English as a term for the head of a university, initially referring to the chair of a council that governed academic institutions during medieval times. Over centuries, the name Rector has been associated with education and leadership, particularly in academic environments. Today, it serves as an enduring surname among various cultures, often carrying connotations of wisdom, authority, and guidance.
The name Rector experienced fluctuating popularity throughout the given years, with peaks in 1919 (13 births) and 1920 (14 births), and valleys in 1914, 1915, and 1925 (each with 5 births). There was a notable gap from 1926 to 1944 with no recorded births. Overall, there were 101 children named Rector born between 1912 and 1945.