| Language | English, Dutch, French and German |
|---|---|
| Origin | |
| Meaning | "hold in check" |
| Region of origin | England, France, Germany, Netherlands |
| Other names | |
| Variant forms | Eachann; Hector (given name); Hekter |
The surnameHector is an English, Dutch, French and German surname.
The English surname is derived from a Gaelic personal nameEachdonn, composed of the elements each (horse) and donn (brown). This name was assimilated with Hector, the name of the Trojan king's eldest son. The Classical GreekHekter is probably derived from the Greekekhein, meaning "hold in check".[1]
The Dutch, French, and German surnames are also derived from the Greek name. Hector is rarely found as a French surname. In medieval Germany, the personal name was quite popular among the noble class.