Hroar

Hroar, also written Hróarr in Old Norse, is a masculine given name of Norse origin. It appears in medieval Scandinavian literature as the name of several legendary figures, rather than a single historical person. The name is generally understood as part of the traditional Norse onomasticon; the exact figures bearing it vary by saga and manuscript.

Etymology: The first element of the name is commonly linked to the Old Norse concept of glory or fame, while the suffix -arr is a common masculine ending in Norse names. The combination yields a given name with heroic or regal associations.

In literature: In Hrólfr Kraki's saga and related sources, Hróarr is portrayed as a Danish prince or king in some tellings, while other manuscripts present different genealogies. He is distinct from Hróðgar, Beowulf's Danish king, though the names share a common root and overlapping mythic milieu. The sagas preserve multiple characters with this name across generations, reflecting the name’s prominence in legendary Danish and Nordic lineages.

Modern usage: In contemporary Nordic contexts, Hroar/Hróarr is uncommon but persists in Icelandic, Norwegian, and Danish writing, especially within historical or literary contexts. Variants include Hróarr and Hróar, with spelling shaped by language conventions.

See also: Related names and figures appear in sources such as Beowulf and Hrólfr Kraki's saga.