← All names

Hector

Boy name · 353 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Hector: 353 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 24 births in 2021.

Ancient Greek in origin, Hector comes from *Hektor*, meaning “holding fast” or “defender” – a fitting name for the legendary Trojan prince who fought heroically in Homer’s *Iliad*. In Scotland, the name has been borne by Hector Boece, the 15th-century historian who helped shape the nation’s early chronicles. The Scottish Gaelic form, Eachann, is equally well-loved and shares the same root. While no major place is directly named after the Trojan hero, the name’s enduring popularity in Scotland reflects a long tradition of classical influence. Notably, Hector is a classic that never feels dated, appearing steadily on Scottish birth registers for decades – a strong, timeless choice for a boy with a sense of honour.