Rising since 2013, #2,604 for boys today.
Popularity of Heitor since 2006
Babies named Heitor per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 99 |
| 2020s | 272 |
Meaning & origin
Heitor, the Portuguese form of Hector, has been steadily climbing in U.S. popularity since 2013, with a peak rank of 2604 in 2023, when it was given to about 1 in every 34,162 newborns. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 2006 and has seen a rising trajectory, particularly in states like Massachusetts and New Jersey. Its etymology ties to the Greek mythological hero Hector, a defender of Troy, giving the name a strong, classical resonance. Heitor remains a distinctive choice that honors Portuguese heritage while fitting into modern naming trends.
Heitor is the Portuguese form of Hector, derived from the Greek Ἕκτωρ (Hektor), which is connected to the verb ἔχω (echo) meaning 'to hold, to possess'. In Greek mythology, Hector was a Trojan prince and the greatest warrior for Troy in the Iliad. The name spread through the Romance languages due to the popularity of classical literature. In Portugal and Brazil, Heitor has been in consistent use, gaining modern attention internationally.
Where Heitor is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Heitor” around the world
Where Heitor lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Heitor
Names that share Heitor's style, for a brother or sister.
