Latinized form of the Greek
Πατροκλος (Patroklos) which meant "glory of the father", derived from
πατηρ (pater) "father" (genitive
πατρος) and
κλεος (kleos) "glory". In Greek legend he was one of the heroes who fought against the Trojans. His death at the hands of
Hector drew his friend
Achilles back into the war.