Faroe Islands’ Name Origin Is Surprisingly Uncertain

Faroe Islands don’t mean sheep.

Faroe Islands are in the North Atlantic Ocean, near Iceland.

The islands form an autonomous territory within Denmark’s kingdom.

Scholars once thought settlers brought mainly sheep from Scandinavia.

New evidence shows settlers likely came from Scotland or Ireland.

Old house with traditional grass roof in Faroe Islands.

Norse settlers arrived in the early 9th century, bringing Old Norse.

Faroese language evolved from this Old Norse dialect today.

The islands feature rugged cliffs, deep fjords, and few trees.

The Løgting parliament dates back to at least the 10th century.

Fishing makes up about 90 percent of exports from the islands.

Faroe Islands stayed outside the EU to control their fishing waters.

Norse pirates displaced Irish monks, filling islands with sheep and birds.

The name of the Faroe Islands might not actually mean sheep islands.