Ettore

Ettore is a male given name of Italian origin, used predominantly in Italy and among Italian communities worldwide. It is the Italian form of Hector, derived from the Greek Hektor, traditionally interpreted as “holding fast” or “defender.” The name has been in continuous use since medieval times and remains a recognizable, classic Italian given name today.

Notable individuals with the name include Ettore Bugatti (1881–1947), Italian-born founder of the Bugatti automobile company; Ettore Boiardi (1897–1985), Italian-born chef who became known in the United States as Chef Boy-Ar-Dee; Ettore Majorana (1904–1938), Italian theoretical physicist noted for work on neutrinos and quantum mechanics; Ettore Sottsass (1917–2007), Italian architect and designer, founder of the Memphis Group; Ettore Fieramosca (c. 1477–1515), Italian condottiero famed for the Disfida di Barletta; Ettore Panizza (1871–1967), Italian conductor and composer who built a career in Argentina.

Usage and cultural presence: While primarily an Italian given name, Ettore has appeared in literature and film as a character name in Italian-speaking contexts. The name remains less common outside Italian-speaking communities compared with Hector in other languages.