Hróðulfr

Hróðulfr is a given name of Old Norse origin. The name is composed of two elements: "hróðr" meaning "fame" or "glory," and "ulfr" meaning "wolf." Therefore, Hróðulfr can be interpreted as "fame-wolf" or "glorious wolf."

Historical records and sagas occasionally mention individuals bearing this name, though it is not among the most common Old Norse personal names. The wolf was a significant creature in Norse mythology, often associated with strength, ferocity, and Odin. Its inclusion in a name like Hróðulfr suggests a desire for the bearer to embody these qualities or to be associated with them through renown.

The name's usage would have been most prevalent during the Viking Age and the subsequent medieval period in Scandinavia. As with many Old Norse names, its direct usage has largely faded in modern times, though its components remain recognizable within Scandinavian linguistic heritage. Variations or cognates might exist in other Germanic languages. The precise historical context of individuals named Hróðulfr is often limited to the specific mentions within surviving texts, making detailed biographical information rare.