Meaning and history
Hrothgar is an Old English form of a Germanic masculine name combining hroth, “fame” or “glory,” with gar, “spear,” giving “famous spear.” Its defining bearer is King Hrothgar in the Old English epic Beowulf, whose hall Heorot is attacked by the monster Grendel until Beowulf comes to help. The character may preserve memories of early Danish royalty. Modern real-life use is rare, and the name remains chiefly literary and historical.