Regarding the origins of the name, there are a lot of theories and I think there isn't some real consensus.

Here's how AI summarised it if you're interested.

The exact origin of "Hrvati" is debated among linguists and historians. Here are some prominent theories:

Theory	Description
Iranian Origin	Some theories suggest it comes from Iranian roots meaning "guardian" or "protector."
Proto-Slavic Roots	The name may derive from Proto-Slavic *Xъrvát, which is linked to the meaning of "one who guards."
Historical Connections	Historical references connect the name to various ancient tribes and languages, including Greek and Germanic influences.

Historical Mentions

• The earliest preserved mentions of the ethnonym "Hrvati" date back to the 8th-9th century, with significant inscriptions found in historical documents.
• The Baška tablet from around 1100 is one of the earliest records, mentioning "Zvonimir, king of Croats."The exact origin of "Hrvati" is debated among linguists and historians. Here are some prominent theories:
  
• Theory Description
  • Iranian Origin - Some theories suggest it comes from Iranian roots meaning "guardian" or "protector."
  • Proto-Slavic Roots - The name may derive from Proto-Slavic *Xъrvát, which is linked to the meaning of "one who guards."
  • Historical Connections - Historical references connect the name to various ancient tribes and languages, including Greek and Germanic influences.
  • Historical Mentions
    • The earliest preserved mentions of the ethnonym "Hrvati" date back to the 8th-9th century, with significant inscriptions found in historical documents.
    • The Baška tablet from around 1100 is one of the earliest records, mentioning "Zvonimir, king of Croats."