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Hector (surname)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hector
The mythical Trojan prince Hector, influenced the popularity of this surname across languages during the medieval period.
Language(s)English, Dutch, French and German
Origin
Meaning"hold in check"
Region of originEngland, France, Germany, Netherlands
Other names
Variant form(s)Eachann; Hector (given name); Hekter

The surname Hector is an English, Dutch, French and German surname.

Origin of the surname

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The English surname is derived from a Gaelic personal name Eachdonn, 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 Greek Hekter is probably derived from the Greek ekhein, 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.[citation needed]

Notable people

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References

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  1. ^ Hanks, Patrick; Hodges, Flavia; Mils, A. D.; Room, Adrian, eds. (2002). The Oxford names companion. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press. p. 286 & 777. ISBN 0198605617.