Hector is a name of Latin origin, derived from the ancient Roman family name "Hetereus". This family name was believed to be Etruscan in origin and it was supposedly derived from the word "heteiros" which means "spear" or "army". The name Hector became popular through the epic poem "The Iliad" by Homer, where it is the name of the principal Trojan character. In this story, Hector is the brave and noble son of King Priam of Troy and the husband of Andromache. He is known for his courage and strength in battle, particularly during the Trojan War. Throughout history, the name Hector has been associated with bravery, valor, and nobility. It was also used by several early Christian saints and martyrs, further solidifying its association with positivity and righteousness. Today, Hector remains a popular choice as a boy's name, carrying on the legacy of its historical and literary significance.
The name Hector has seen significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a noticeable increase starting around 1943 and peaking in the late 1980s to early 1990s. The highest number of births was recorded in 1989 with 1806 births. However, since then, there has been a steady decline, with only 828 births recorded in 2023. Overall, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 107,064 births named Hector.